Barcelona are flying high at the top of La Liga, 11 points ahead of rivals Real who are languishing in fourth.
Barca travel to the Bernabeu to face Real tomorrow (12pm) in a crucial pre-Christmas El Clasico.
And according to Spanish newspaper Sport, Barca prepared for the match off the field by holding transfer talks.
On Thursday a meeting took place at the club’s offices where a number of dealings were discussed.
Sport say there was unamity amongst all those present that Barca should focus on signing Philippe Coutinho from Liverpool, with the matter now resting with the club’s executives who will negotiate with the Premier League club.
Coutinho is the priority, with their next problem lying in defence.
Javier Mascherano wants to leave for China and he must be replaced given centre-back Samuel Umtiti is already out injured.
Yerry Mina, a 23-year-old central defender at Brazilian club Palmeiras is expected to arrive in July despite claims the move could be brought forward to January.
But both general manager Pep Segura and technical secretary Robert Fernandez are now looking for a more experienced option on loan until the end of the season with an option to buy.
Also discussed in the meeting was 21-year-old Brazilian midfielder Arthur, who has been pictured with Barcelona directors.
But the club are still working on securing the player from Gremio for a reasonable price.
And finally Barca’s B team was discussed, with the feeling being Gerard Lopez’s side needs strengthening in January to help their relegation battle from the second tier.