Barcelona 'considering Antonio Rudiger as Eric Garcia alternative'

Barcelona are reportedly weighing up a January move for Chelsea's Antonio Rudiger.

The Catalan giants are expected to move for a new centre-back at the start of 2021 as head coach Ronald Koeman has limited options in that area of the field.

Samuel Umtiti could depart in the winter transfer window, leaving the La Liga side with only Gerard Pique, Clement Lenglet and Ronald Araujo as first-team options.

According to Sport, Barca have identified Rudiger as a possible acquisition as the club are still struggling to come to an agreement with Manchester City over Eric Garcia.

Rudiger was strongly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge over the summer, but the transfer window closed with the defender still at the club.

The 27-year-old has not played a single minute of Premier League football this season, though, and is thought to be keen on a winter switch to ensure that he secures a spot in the Germany squad for next summer's European Championships.

Chelsea are allegedly willing to sell Rudiger at the start of 2021 as they look to raise funds to move for West Ham United midfielder Declan Rice.