Valverde has led Barcelona back to the top of La Liga and has a lead of five points after 14 games.

They have left Real Madrid in their wake and are eight points clear of the fourth-placed side.

But Valverde still wants to enhance his side with additions in key areas as they battle in Europe and at home.

According to Diario Gol he wants another creative star - with Philippe Coutinho his top target - another defender with Javier Mascherano leaving in January, and another forward.

In defence Colombia Yerry Mina is expected to join but Valverde wants an established player to compete with Gerard Pique and Samuel Umtiti.

He would like either Aymeric Laporte or Inigo Martínez and is also monitoring Ajax youngster Matthijs de Ligt.

Coutinho remains Barca’s No 1 target and he could move in January.

He admitted as much this week when he said: "I do not know how the future is going to be. What will happen in January, we will know it in January. I do not know if there will be an offer.

“I am at Liverpool and I always do my best when I have the opportunity to play, respecting the jersey and the supporters.

“Last summer there was a job offer [from Barcelona] in the same way that happens with any employee and I was interested in it. Since I stayed, I have played with will and desire.”

Barcelona will make another approach to test Liverpool’s resolve.

However there are complications with the third area Valverde wants to strengthen - because of Lionel Messi.

Valverde wants to sign Antoine Griezmann to replace Luis Suarez, who has struggled this season.

But Messi is close with Suarez and wants him in the team. He is annoyed with the links to Griezmann and believes with Ousmane Dembele and Coutinho they will have enough fire power.

Manchester United are also keen on Griezmann who is available for around £90m in the summer due to his release clause.