Chelsea are reportedly planning a January swoop for Gerard Pique as they seek a long-term replacement for John Terry.
The Daily Star reports that fichajes.com claim Blues’ boss Jose Mourinho has earmarked the Barcelona central defender to take over from Terry, whose contract expires at the end of the season.
Pique, 27, has also been linked with a move to former club Manchester United, but Chelsea are set to table a bid of around €30m in the next transfer window to see off any potential rivals.
However, a major stumbling block to any deal could be that Pique has recently stated his desire to see out his playing days at Camp Nou.
“I love it here and right now I’m at the best club in the world. I’ve no intention of leaving now or later.
“I’ve just signed a new contract and I want to retire with Barca, just like Carles Puyol did.
“Nobody knows what the future holds but at the moment I’m loving the city, the people at the club and, most importantly, the institution.
“I don’t see myself leaving,” he is quoted as saying.
