Chelsea are reportedly banking on a Plan B to retain the services of Cesar Azpilicueta as new Barcelona boss Xavi is looking to weave some more magic by snapping up the Blues captain on a free transfer.

Dani Alves has already been recruited for free, with Chelsea man Azpilicueta said to be his next target.

According to ESPN, Barca are keeping a keen eye on how contract talks progress between the Blues and club captain Azpilicueta.

The 32-year-old’s current deal at Stamford Bridge runs out at the end of the season.

The Blues though are thought to be keen to tie him down to a new deal and extend his stay at the club with talks currently ongoing between Blues chiefs and Azpilicueta’s representatives.

Chelsea, according to Sport Witness, ‘will exercise’ the option to extend Cesar Azpilicueta’s contract at the club by a further year if there is no agreement after contract talks.

There is therefore ‘no chance’ he will join Barcelona.

Barcelona are long-term admirers of Azpilicueta and have shown an interest in him in the past.