Chelsea made a January move for Barcelona fullback Aleix Vidal, it has been revealed.

Sky Italia says after allowing Branislav Ivanovic to move to Zenit St Petersburg, Chelsea made a late winter market move for Vidal.

Chelsea were willing to buy the fullback, but Barca refused to do business.

Vidal is now recovering from ankle surgery, having been ruled out for the remainder of this season.

The Spaniard had worked his way back into coach Luis Enrique's plans over the New Year only for injury to strike him down.