Barcelona sporting director Deco has conceded that "it will be difficult" for the Catalan outfit to make any signings during the January transfer window.

Despite their financial problems, the La Liga champions managed to bring in five new players over the summer market, with Oriol Romeu arriving from Girona, while Ilkay Gundogan and Inigo Martinez moved to Camp Nou on free transfers.

Barcelona also secured loan deals for Manchester City's Joao Cancelo and Atletico Madrid's Joao Felix in the closing stages of the summer window.

There have been suggestions that the Catalan side's head coach Xavi has identified central midfield as an area in need of a boost when the winter market opens for business.

However, Deco has admitted that any January arrivals are unlikely due to the club's financial situation.

"It will be difficult to sign anyone in January," Deco told Mundo Deportivo. "We are always ready in case an opportunity presents itself, but I don't think it will be possible."

Barcelona do have a deal in place to sign Athletico Paranaense teenager Vitor Roque, although Deco has claimed that a mid-season move for the attacker is not certain.

"It doesn't solely depend on the efforts of the club," he added. "There is a part that does, but there is also a part that doesn't.

"Vitor is a player we have signed for the present and the future. We really believe in him, but we will have to see what we can do. We have to wait and see how we can manage things. If it's not now, it will be in July."

Roque, 18, has scored 27 goals and registered 11 assists in 78 appearances for his current side in all competitions, and Barcelona allegedly beat a host of the major European clubs to his signature.

The La Liga team's desire to sign the teenager in January rather than July is down to the fact that Xavi currently has limited options in the final third of the field.

Robert Lewandowski, Raphinha and Lamine Yamal are all currently on the sidelines through injury, which will be a concern ahead of Sunday's La Liga clash with Athletic Bilbao.

Alejandro Balde, Jules Kounde, Frenkie de Jong and Pedri are also out, but the club are hopeful that there will be a number of returns for El Clasico with Real Madrid on October 28.

Barcelona remain unbeaten during a strong start to the campaign, although they were held to a 2-2 draw by Granada before the international break.