Chelsea star Marcos Alonso wanted by Barcelona as long-term replacement for Jordi Alba

BARCELONA are considering a move to sign Chelsea defender Marcos Alonso.

Reports in Spain suggest the La Liga club are looking at their options to replace Jordi Alba as first choice left-back in their squad.

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And Don Balon say the leading choice for Barca boss Ernesto Valverde would be Chelsea ace Alonso.

The 26-year-old has taken his game to another level since he moved to Stamford Bridge 18 months ago and is now regarded as one of the best left-sided players in Europe.

When Antonio Conte splashed out £25million to sign him from Fiorentina there were worries he would not be good enough at the highest level.

Previous spells in the Premier League at Bolton and Sunderland had been unconvincing and it was feared he lacked the physicality to survive in the English game.

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But Alonso was a revelation in Conte's team last season as they powered their way to the Premier League title.

And he has continued his good form into the current campaign - leading to Barca to take a stronger interest in his ability.

Alonso had always been earmarked as a top player for the future in Spain when he came through the youth set-up at Real Madrid.

But he took his time to transfer that promise into consistent performances in first team football - finally showing the best of his ability at Fiorentina.

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And after switching from Serie A to Chelsea his reputation has only been enhanced, with his improving ability going forward adding to his strengths.

Chelsea would be reluctant to sanction a sale of one of their most consistent players, so it would take a huge fee for Barcelona to get their man.

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But they are prepared to spend big on a new left-back - with Juventus star Alex Sandro another they are looking at.

Chelsea were keen on signing Sandro last summer but baulked at the £60m valuation but on him by the Italian club.

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