Barcelona president Joan Laporta is retaining Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling top of his attacking shopping list.

Laporta is keen to bring Sterling to Spain in January and has already discussed the prospect last summer with City.

Sport says his departure could come as early as January with Laporta concerned about Barca's attacking options.

With concerns over the long-term fitness of Sergio Aguero and plans to cut short the loan of Sevilla striker Luuk de Jong, Barca are exploring the prospect of bringing in a new attacker in a cut-price deal.

Laporta would be keen to open talks with Sterling about an initial loan arrangement with a permanent option for June.