Barcelona president Joan Laporta has hinted that the Catalan giants will look to improve their squad during the January transfer window.

The club's financial problems saw them lose Lionel Messi over the summer, while they were only able to sign players on loan or on free transfers during the recent market.

Laporta, though, has suggested that the La Liga outfit have funds to bring new players to the squad in January if the right options are available.

"We are working to improve the squad at all times," Laporta told Sport. "I do not know if it will be in January or at the end of the season. We are attentive to the movements that occur in the market.

"To do this, we need tools and we will ask the Assembly for permission to authorise us to compete at a high level, to invest in the team and improve it.

"Our model, apart from the style of play, is based on players who get promoted from La Masia, so it has always been our bet and I will continue to do so.

"It is fundamental for the viability of the club and the financial sustainability. There are times when more or fewer signings are needed, and now we need players to make a more competitive squad."

Barcelona will be looking to bounce back from successive defeats to Benfica and Atletico Madrid when they face Valencia in La Liga on Sunday night. body check tags ::