Barcelona line up Inter's Diego Forlan as David Villa's replacement.

The Liga champions are pondering the signing of a new striker in January and the Uruguayan seems to be a strong possibility after a disappointing first months in Italy.

Barcelona are weighing up the merits of a move for Inter striker Diego Forlan, La Nacion reports.

The Catalan giants are believed to be studying the possibility of signing a new goalscorer after losing David Villa to a fractured tibia last month.

With Villa facing five months on the sidelines, it is reported that Barca are considering a short-term option to reinforce their attack with Forlan topping their preferences.

The Uruguay international has endured a frustrating start to life in Serie A, with just one goal scored in eight matches after four months marred by injuries.

Forlan is, however, highly regarded in Spain, after enjoying two successful spells between 2004 and 2011, first at Villarreal and then at Atletico, which put him on Barca's agenda several times in the past.