Josep Maria Bartomeu reveals Barcelona's January transfer plans, confident of Sergi Roberto's long-term stay

Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu claims the Catalan club will make additions in the January transfer window, only if they can "improve" the squad.

The La Liga giants had a good start to the 2017/18 season in all competitions. They are on top of the league table with 34 points after 12 games, four points ahead of second place Valencia. They are also 10 points ahead of Real Madrid, who are placed third in the table. In the Champions League, Barcelona are leading the group table, three points ahead of Juventus.

Liverpool playmaker Philippe Coutinho was a target for Ernesto Valverde in the summer. However, Barcelona failed to land the Brazil international and the Reds star is still wanted by the Spanish outfit.

Barcelona CEO Oscar Grau earlier confirmed the club is "financially ready" to sign Coutinho in January. However, Bartomeu has stressed the Camp Nou outfit will not stretch to complete a transfer in the mid-season transfer window.

"We are happy with the squad that we have but if things can be done to improve then they will be done, because we always aspire to more," Bartomeu explained at the Catalan Football Gala, as quoted by Spanish publication Marca.

"There is a lot of the season left. Next up is an important Champions League match and we have to think that we only have four points over Valencia. We always have to be optimistic, but we are only at the end of November and the road ahead is long."

Meanwhile, Barcelona chief also provided an update on midfielder Sergi Roberto's future at the club. The 25-year-old versatile star's current deal runs down in 2019. Marca reports the Spain international has a €40m (£35.4m, $46.9m) release clause in his current deal, who is attracting interest from Juventus.

Catalan publication Mundo Deportivo claims Roberto will sign a five-year deal and his release clause will improve 10 folds to €400m (£354.5m, $469.3m). Should he agree a deal, his release clause will be same as the club's record-signing Ousmane Dembele. Bartomeu remains confident the Spaniard will commit his future at Barcelona.

"I have no doubt that Sergi will continue with us. He is one of our most relatable players, like [Andres] Iniesta, who came through La Masia," he said.

"We have been negotiating for days and we will continue talking. It is admirable that there are players like him and, as a person, he is fundamental to our dressing room."