Barcelona could offer Alvaro Morata a surprise end to his Chelsea nightmare.
Spain striker Morata’s agents are trying to get him away from Stamford Bridge after 18 largely ineffective months — and intermediaries have been in touch with La Liga giants Barca about a possible January deal.
The Spanish champions need cover for Luis Suarez. The former Liverpool frontman is having stem-cell treatment to try to cure a knee problem, and there are doubts over his availability for the remainder of the season.
Former back-up Paco Alcacer has been sold to Borussia Dortmund, and current reserve Munir has proved ineffective so far.
A loan move for Morata for the rest of the season is the most likely option, with the possibility of a permanent deal in the summer. The 26-year-old wants regular football, with his move to Chelsea having turned sour.
Morata, signed from Barca’s bitter rivals Real Madrid for £65million when Antonio Conte was still Blues boss, is no longer able to hold down a regular place under successor Maurizio Sarri.