Barcelona are reported to be pondering a surprise move for Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann when the transfer window reopens.
The Spanish giants are considering re-entering the transfer market in January to help ease a midfield crisis.
With Edmilson and Thiago Motta long-term injury victims at Camp Nou Barca coach Frank Rijkaard is short of options in midfield.
The Dutchman is keen to bring in a new midfielder in the New Year as he looks to keep Barca on the road to challenging for honours.
Arsenal's Brazilian international Edu is believed to be Barca's top target to alleviate their midfield problems, although the Spanish club have played down their interest in the South American.
Reports in Spain now suggest that Barca are drawing up a list of alternatives should they fail to lure Edu away from Highbury.
Hamann is believed to be among the list of targets to fill the defensive role in their midfield having missed out to Real Madrid for Argentine Javier Mascherano.
The German's future at Liverpool is uncertain following the arrival and impact of summer signing Xabi Alonso.
The former Newcastle man was even dropped from the starting line-up for his side's last game at Chelsea with Senegal international Salif Diao getting the nod ahead of him to start in midfield.
Hamann was strongly linked with a move away from Merseyside during the summer and with his contract coming to an end next summer speculation is sure to intensify.
Liverpool could be prepared to sell him in January rather than risk losing him for nothing in the summer as it would raise more funds for Reds boss Rafa Benitez to spend himself in the transfer window.