Chelsea are weighing up a move for out-of-favor Barcelona star Franck Kessie, with manager Mauricio Pochettino a big fan of the midfielder, according to Relevo.

The Blues are in the transfer market for a new midfielder this summer and want a defense-conscious player to partner Enzo Fernandez in the midfield.

The west London club’s priority is to sign Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, but they have so far failed to reach an agreement with Brighton for the Ecuadorian international.

However, should a deal for Caicedo prove too expensive or difficult to pull off, Chelsea might look at cheaper alternatives, and Kessie, whom Pochettino tried to sign during his time at Tottenham, would certainly fit the bill.

Kessie is surplus to requirements at Barcelona, and the Catalan club is actively looking to find a buyer.

The Ivory Coast international is also said to have attracted interest from Saudi Arabia side Al-Ahli.