Chelsea are in talks to sign Barcelona defender Xavier Mbuyamba.

The highly-rated Dutchman joined Barcelona from MVV Maastricht last summer but has now left the Nou Camp and will look to continue his development elsewhere.

Mbuyamba trained with Chelsea last year but they couldn't follow up on their interest because he was contracted to Barcelona, reports the Daily Mail.

But the Dutchman is available from Barca and Chelsea are now hopeful they can bring him in on a permanent basis.

The 18-year-old made just three appearances in the UEFA Youth League last season and it was not enough to assure him that his future was in Barcelona.