Barcelona considering move for Chelsea defender

Barcelona are reportedly considering a potential move for Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger as they look to bolster their backline.

The Blaugrana are without Gerard Pique for the long-term with a knee injury and that is likely to see them enter the transfer market for a replacement.

According to The Athletic, the club are looking into a couple of options from the Premier League and Rudiger is mentioned as one of the targets.

Rudiger has been out-of-favour with the Blues since the arrival of Thiago Silva over the summer and he is now regarded as a back-up option.

He was touted to join Tottenham Hotspur in the summer, but a deal did not materialise as Spurs were reluctant to negotiate a permanent move.

The Blaugrana have now emerged as the leading candidates to sign the German, who needs regular gametime ahead of Euro 2020.

Rudiger has been a regular with the national side, but he could be left out of future squads, if he continues to struggle for first-team football.