Barcelona have reportedly been handed a boost in their efforts to sign Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso.
As well as bringing in players on free transfers this summer, the Catalan giants are looking to take advantage of situations where targets have just a year left on their contract.
Chelsea defender Cesar Azpilicueta and Bayern Munich forward Robert Lewandowski both fall into that bracket, but it appears that Barcelona are closer to signing another of their shortlisted options.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Alonso will be allowed to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, providing that Barcelona meet their asking price.
The report claims that personal terms are close to being agreed, leaving officials at each club to negotiate a fee for the left-back.
The 31-year-old has been provided with regular game time at Chelsea this campaign, making a total of 38 starts and seven substitute appearances in all competitions.
Nevertheless, the Spain international is keen to return to his homeland over the coming weeks.
Darren Plant
