Barcelona reportedly believe that Ilaix Moriba’s refusal to extend his current deal is down to serious attention omitting from Chelsea.
This is according to Sport, who claim Moriba’s unwillingness to sign a new contract can be linked back to the Blues persistence in the 18-year-old.
The young midfielder is seemingly at breaking point with his Barca employers.
They want the talented Spaniard to renew his current agreement, which runs out next June.
Until he does, the club’s hierarchy have banished him to train with the B-team, despite making 18 appearances for Ronald Koeman’s senior side last season.
Evidently, this punishment has not yet worked out as planned.
Moriba’s representatives are set to converse with Barca officials again this week to once again settle their differences.
Sport suggest the teenager’s uncertain position is being heavily influenced by the interest being exerted by Chelsea.
A move to the Premier League is certainly an enticing one, especially if it means escaping the financial mess swirling round the Camp Nou.
Plus, the Blues can apparently offer Moriba double or triple the wages Barca are proposing.
It would be a shame if the player’s final decision was based purely on money.
But sometimes agents act on their accord and take matters out of the client’s control.