Barca ace linked with Blues

Chelsea are reported to be lining up an ambitious bid to land Barcelona wonder kid Gerard Deulofeu in an £8million deal.

The highly-rated winger has made just one appearance for Barca but he is still on a youth contract at the Nou Camp and Chelsea hope to lure the 18-year-old to Stamford Bridge before he signs a long-term deal. The Catalan giants are keen to keep hold but it could come down to the youngster and where he feels he has the best chance developing as a player. Reports claim Chelsea will make their approach in January and a move would fit in with the club's policy of targeting the best young players in Europe. Meanwhile, the Blues are also being linked with a swoop for AZ Alkmaar midfielder Adam Maher, who is valued at £5million and is also attracting interest from Newcastle and Sunderland.