5 players Barcelona could sign as a replacement for Javier Mascherano

3) Eric Bailly (Villarreal)

Eric Bailly had a brilliant season for Villarreal

Villarreal centre-back Eric Bailly has been identified by Barcelona as a potential replacement for veteran defender Javier Mascherano, who will be desperate to fill the void left by the imminent departure of him.

Bailly signed for Villarreal from Espanyol last January when Gabriel Paulista left for Arsenal. The Ivorian had a brilliant part to play in the Yellow Submarine finishing the La Liga in the fourth place, guaranteeing them a spot in the Champions League playoffs.

Barcelona have had a problem replacing Carles Puyol as they still continue to have problems in the defence. Bailly looks to be the answer to those problems as he is very young at 22 years. He is also very well used to the way things work in La Liga having played for Espanyol earlier.

Bailly has been consistent in his performances having played 34 games all competitions for the club. He is versatile, as he can play at both full-back and central positions.

At a price of £20 million, he does not look like a bad signing, as the defender has a lot of years to continue to develop into the player Barcelona want him to become.