Chelsea Transfer Rumor: Blues Considering Bid for Barcelona Starlet?

English Premier League club Chelsea are reportedly considering a bid for Barcelona's young midfielder, Sergi Roberto. The Spaniard joined the La Liga giants' first team in May, after a successful stint in Barcelona's B squad.

Andre Villas-Boas, the Chelsea manager, has previously stressed on the fact that his club requires reinforcement in the midfield, following failed attempts to bring domestic rivals Tottenham Hotspurs' Croatian international Luka Modric. The club had also bid for Argentinean Javier Pastore, only to lose to cash-rich Ligue 1 club Paris St. Germain.

The Barcelona youngster is being touted as long-term replacement for the Blues' aging midfield talisman, Frank Lampard. It is believed that any move for Roberto will be taken with the view to allow him time to adjust to English league football, rather than have him slot into the team immediately.

However, it is still unclear whether the player's current club is willing to part with the youngster, particularly given that he has just joined the first team. A key factor in the decision could be the current debt situation at Barcelona, which could force them to part with a few players.

Chelsea have recently also shown an interest in another Barcelona youngster, Rafa Alcantra, according to a Footybunker.com report.

Sergi Roberto Carnicer, who recently got a taste of first team action during the Champions Lague game against BATE Borisov, has made a total of 69 appearances for the club.