Barcelona have confirmed that they have held talks with Chelsea defender Antonio Rudiger's agent ahead of a potential move to Camp Nou.
Thomas Tuchel has established that Rudiger will depart Stamford Bridge when his contract expires at the end of this season, and the 29-year-old is attracting interest from a host of top European clubs.
Real Madrid and Manchester United are also in the running for Rudiger's signature, but Barca director Mateu Alemany has disclosed that the club have spoken to Saif Rubie, Rudiger's agent.
However, Alemany suggested that his conversation with Rubie was not about a potential move for Rudiger: "We had a meeting with his agent but we didn't talk about that situation.
"Agents represent more than one player and that could lead to confusion. Also, it's not our custom to talk about contracted players so we can't help.
"Now is not the time to think about [next season]. We work in all positions and, at the end of the whole season, we will talk to the coach and make decisions based on the market."
Rudiger has continue to be a key figure in the Blues' side having made 47 appearances across all competitions this season, taking his total to 196 games in a Chelsea shirt.
Sammy Wynne
