Chelsea are ready to hijack Barcelona’s move for 18-year-old Real Valladolid right-back Ivan Fresneda, according to ESPN via the Sun.

The report adds that Chelsea are ready to rival Barcelona for the signature of the Spain under-19 international with Valladolid wanting between £6.3 and £8.5 million for the defender.

Barcelona had been favourites for Fresneda’s signature but manager Xavi appears to be at loggerheads with the board over the deal.

Xavi favours bringing in an experienced top-level player in the position while Barcelona new sporting director Deco wants Fresneda as he looks to build a Barcelona team for the future.

The discordance between sporting director and manager has opened the door for the likes of Chelsea, who see Fresneda as a player with a lot of potential.

The Blues will reportedly pounce on a move for the Spaniard if the player is keen on a move.