Report: Barcelona eye Dimitar Berbatov as Lionel Messi cover

Barcelona are contemplating a surprise January offer for Fulham striker Dimitar Berbatov as they look to fill the void left by Lionel Messi's injury.

The four-time Ballon d'Or winner is going to be absent for between two and three months after suffering a hamstring problem in Barca's 4-1 La Liga victory over Real Betis last weekend.

Manager Gerardo Martino is believed to have faith in the likes of Neymar and Alexis Sanchez to replace him, but is toying with the idea of signing an experienced back-up to improve his forward options.

The Daily Express reports that he is interested in bringing in 32-year-old Berbatov, who he feels will help the likes of Neymar and Sanchez prosper because of his excellent link-up play.

The Catalan giants also have big-name stars such as Robert Lewandowski and Didier Drogba on their shortlist, but consider Berbatov to be their best option as he is a much cheaper alternative.