Spanish giants Barcelona are preparing a January bid for Manchester United’s Nemanja Vidic, according to reports from Calcio Mercato.

It’s believed that Barca boss Tito Vilanova sees the Premier League defender as the ideal solution to the club’s defensive woes, which may tempt him to make an offer during the winter months.

With Carles Puyol and Gerard Pique both struggling with injuries, the Catalans find themselves short of defensive cover, often relying on ex-Liverpool midfielder Javier Mascherano to fill in at the heart of the defence.

They may currently top La Liga, but Barca have the worst defensive record of the top four Spanish sides, with only two clean sheets to their name in domestic action so far this year.

This has prompted talk that Vidic could be on his way to the Camp Nou to bolster the club’s backline.

It’s unlikely that United boss Sir Alex Ferguson will be keen to allow the Serbian to leave, as he sees the no nonsense centre-half as one of the key men in his squad.

The Scot is rather short on defensive options at the moment, with Jonny Evans and Rio Ferdinand his only fit, established centre-backs.

Michael Carrick has filled in during the absence of Phil Jones and Chris Smalling, but his talents are of greater use in midfield.

The 31-year-old is currently side-lined due to a knee injury, but is expected to be back in action later this month.