Barcelona and Fiorentina are interested in signing centre-backs Federico Fazio and Mateo Musacchio.
Both have impressed this season for European challengers Sevilla and Villarreal, and Italian outlet Sport Mediaset believe that the Serie A side have been in contact with the Rojiblancos and the Yellow Submarine about potential offers.
They will, however, face stiff competition from the Blaugrana, who are in the market for a defensive leader, and have ear-marked one of the two.
With Carles Puyol leaving the club at the end of the season, the Camp Nou hierarchy have put out feelers, in an attempt to get some of their dealings done early.
Musacchio is said to be favoured by sporting director Andoni Zubizarreta, who could be available for around €18m.
