Southampton could lose out on the signing of Martin Caceres as they wait for the defender to get a work permit to play in the UK.
According to a report in The Sun, Barcelona could make a move for their former defender after Aleix Vidal suffered a serious ankle injury in the 6-0 win over Alaves.
With few top class defenders out of contract Barca could make a move for the Uruguayan defender who has been training with Crystal Palace and Southampton over the last few weeks.
Southampton are desperate to get the short term deal for Caceres completed after conformation of the news that Virgil van Dijk will be out of action for three months with an ankle injury.
With Jose Forte sold to West Ham last month Claude Puel urgently needs to bring in an experienced defender for the league campaign and EFL Cup Final against Manchester United at Wembley.
Saints are hoping to get the green light for a work permit early this week but until that is confirmed they could lose out to Barca if they decide that Caceres is the man to replace Vidal.