Barcelona register interest in signing €80 million-rated Chelsea defender – report

It is no secret that Barcelona are in dire need of reinforcements in the defensive department, having been dealt multiple injury blows in the past month or so.

Signing a new central defender could be a priority for Barcelona in the upcoming January transfer window.

The club have already been linked with multiple centre-backs heading into January and it appears there is a latest entrant on the list.

Colwill has been a regular under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea. (Photo by Alex Pantling/Getty Images)

As reported by Mundo Deportivo , Barcelona have registered interest in Chelsea defender Levi Colwill ahead of the January transfer window.

A product of the Chelsea youth academy, Colwill is regarded highly in the Blues setup and has seen rapid growth in the past couple of years, especially after a loan spell at Brighton & Hove Albion.

A left-footed centre-back with exceptional ball-playing qualities, Colwill has become a starter under Xabi Alonso at Chelsea this season.

The Englishman's performances have not gone unnoticed, with Barcelona among the clubs interested in his services, as they look to shore up their defensive unit.

All eyes on Colwill's future. (Photo by Ryan Pierse/Getty Images)

However, acquiring the services of Colwill won't be a walk in the park for Barcelona.

For one, the defender has a contract at Stamford Bridge until 2029, thus giving Chelsea some key leverage in negotiations.

Moreover, the Blues want to extend the contract, which could further raise his current price tag of around €80 million, which itself is a challenge for Barcelona.

There is hope that interest from Barça and Liverpool could sway Colwill into stalling negotiations with Chelsea, but coach Xabi Alonso has no desire to part ways with the defender.

Chelsea, for their part, will not entertain any offers below their €80 million price-tag, thus making Colwill a costly target for the Catalans, at least under the current economic circumstances.

Barcelona, therefore, may end up looking at other options, with the club notably being linked with a move for Manchester United star Lisandro Martinez , among others.