Barcelona have been linked with a move for Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso, according to reports in Don Balon.
Barca manager Ernesto Valverde apparently wants an upgrade on Jordi Alba, who has tailed off after a bright few seasons in Catalonia.
One potential stumbling block could be Alonso’s connection to Real Madrid. He came through the youth system there, but being asked to join one of Spain’s biggest club and potentially finally getting recognition in his home country would probably be a big enough temptation to overcome that.
Alonso still hasn’t been called up for the Spain squad, despite a stellar 18 months with Chelsea, and Julen Lopetegui wouldn’t be able to ignore him if he was doing what he’s doing now in La Liga.
Chelsea themselves spent the summer chasing Alex Sandro, with no success. If they agree a deal for the Brazilian, there could be a green light on Alonso’s return to his home country.
