Chelsea 'in pole position to sign Ilaix Moriba from Barcelona'

Chelsea will reportedly be at the head of the queue for Ilaix Moriba if the youngster fails to agree a new contract with Barcelona.

The 18-year-old made 18 appearances for the Catalan giants during the 2020-21 campaign and had been expected to play an important role for Ronald Koeman's side this season.

Moriba's current deal at Camp Nou is due to expire next June, though, and he is being left out of the first-team squad at Barcelona until his contract issues are addressed.

Chelsea are one of a number of teams, including Manchester United and Manchester City, to be linked with the teenager's services in recent weeks.

According to Sport, Barcelona believe that Moriba will either join Chelsea or RB Leipzig if he does not sign an extension at Camp Nou.

Real Madrid are also said to be admirers of the midfielder, but a recent report claimed that Los Blancos have agreed not to move for him due to a non-aggression pact with Barcelona.

Moriba scored once and provided three assists in 14 La Liga outings last season.