There were some doubts about Barcelona's credentials after their Spanish Super Cup losses to Real Madrid, however they've gone on to enjoy a fine start to the 2017-18 campaign.

The Catalan giants top La Liga, having won seven and drawn one of their eight games so far, and they also boast a 100% record in their Champions League group.

Despite the world-record of sale of Neymar, and the long-term injury to Ousmane Dembele, things are going well for new manager Ernesto Valverde - but he has one big problem.

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The 53-year-old has already claimed that his squad is too big, and he's now told the club that the priority in the upcoming January transfer window should be getting rid of players.

Valverde asks for three players to be sold

Before even thinking about bids for rumoured targets Jean Seri or Philippe Coutinho, according to Sport, there are three players who Valverde has asked to be moved on in January.

Rafinha

Barring a loan spell at Celta Vigo, Rafinha has spent his entire career at the Nou Camp, but he is not in the long-term plans of the current management.

The 24-year-old midfielder is still three months away from returning to action following a serious knee injury, and this lack of fitness makes his potential departure more complicated.

At the moment, Rafinha is focused on getting first-team football, with an eye on next summer's World Cup, and the Brazilian is likely to have suitors should Barca put him up for sale.

Arda Turan

Arda Turan used to be one of the most highly-rated playmakers in Europe, but he hasn't even been in the squad so far this season and his value has subsequently plummeted.

The 30-year-old, who joined from Atletico Madrid in 2015 for an initial £24 million, has two-and-a-half years remaining on his contract and Barca don't want to make a huge loss on him.

They're looking for around €20 million for Turan, however sending him out on loan might also be a viable option.

Paco Alcacer

The last player deemed surplus to requirements by Valverde is Paco Alcacer, who only signed for the club in August 2016 after an impressive 15-goal campaign with Valencia.

The choice to sell the striker is a little surprising, seeing as Luis Suarez is Barca's only other real number nine, but he simply isn't in Valverde's plans.

In fact, Barca actually wanted to keep Munir at the club last season as opposed to buying Alcacer, however then-coach Luis Enrique demanded a more experienced forward.

Barcelona are open to loaning Alcacer out, with Lille reportedly interested, while they'd want a fee close to €24 million for any permanent transfer of the 24-year-old Spaniard.

It won't be easy for Valverde to shift all these players in January, but the process will begin by speaking with the trio over the coming weeks in an effort to find the best solution for all parties.

Do YOU think Barca should sell these three players in January? Leave YOUR opinions in the comments box below!