Injuries have been rocking Barcelona’s defence for the past few weeks. Samuel Umtiti and Thomas Vermaelan are sidelined, leaving the Catalans with just two fit central defenders, Gerard Pique and Clement Lenglet.

Barcelona were said to be on the lookout for an experienced defender they could bring in during the January transfer window as a short-term fix. Former Real Madrid centre-half Pepe popped up as a potential match.

Diario Sport has reported that this move will not materialise.

The Besiktas defender made 52 appearances for the Turkish club since the summer of 2017 and has reportedly left his contract six months early.

Barcelona were tipped to make a move for the experienced central defender, but now it looks less likely.