According to Spanish sports daily Mundo Deportivo, Barcelona has decided to join Chelsea, by entering the race to sign Everton defender John Stones.
Chelsea made a number of bids during the summer for the 21-year-old England international, but failed to convince Everton to sell, despite offering the Toffee’s £33 million for the young centre-back.
Chelsea is believed to be preparing an improved bid for another attempt in January, but will now have to battle Catalan giants Barcelona after sporting director Robert Fernandez has labelled Stones the perfect start towards building a new back line for trainer Luis Enrique’s team, as the Blaugrana looks to the future.