Chelsea have extension clause on defender's deal

Chelsea are likely to trigger the extension clause in the contract of defender Cesar Azpilicueta, Marca claims.

The club captain has entered the last five months of his contract, and there has recently been speculation that he could leave for free.

Barcelona are already in talks with his representatives, but there appears a fresh twist to the story with a secret extension clause.

The Blues currently have a clause on Azpilicueta's contract that would allow them to extend his stay for another two seasons.

Hence, the Blaugrana appear unlikely to sign him on a free transfer, and will need to pay a fee to prise him away this summer.

Azpilicueta has made over 450 appearances for the west London giants. The right-back is about to complete a decade with the Blues.

The 32-year-old has been a regular lately with Reece James' injury, but the latter is expected to make his comeback in the coming games.

The Spain international could be looking for a fresh challenge next season such that he can play regularly to cement a World Cup spot.