Chelsea keeping close tabs on highly-rated Barcelona defender ahead of January move
Catalan newspaper Sport always have their ear close to the ground when it comes to information about potential transfer business at Barcelona, and the latest reports are about youngster Alejandro Balde.
The left-back is prodigiously strong, fast and tall for his age, with the kind of technique fans would expect for a La Masia product.
Still just 17, he is heading towards the end of his time in the youth academy and is willing to battle for a senior team spot soon, with the Spanish star Junior Firpo struggling to settle as first-choice Jordi Alba’s backup.
His current deal expires at the end of next campaign, so Frank Lampard’s Chelsea are just a year away from being able to negotiate a free transfer with the player.
If he is given a chance in the first time at the Spanish giants before then it could prove difficult to prise the talented defender away.
But if he is still waiting for a chance, the Blues’ habit of picking up brilliantly gifted European youngsters might just prove useful.