The 27-year-old Gerard Pique is no longer first choice at Nou Camp with new Barca boss Luis Enrique preferring Javier Mascherano, Jeremy Mathieu and even the inexperienced Marc Bartra over him. Being on the bench is a new experience for Pique as he has been a regular in the side since re-joining the club from Manchester United in 2008.

Pique and Enrique are not on good terms with each other and their relationship hit a new low last weekend. With Enrique having used all three substitutes against Almeria, he still made a show of ordering the centre-back to warm up.

The Spaniard is going to hold showdown talks with the upper hierarchy of Barca after the international break. Although Barca don’t want to lose the World Cup winner, Enrique wouldn’t mind selling him in one of the next transfer windows, according to the Mirror.

This has put Chelsea on red alert and they are keen to secure the services of the Spain international. Jose Mourinho is on the lookout for John Terry’s replacement and Pique fits the bill. However, Mourinho could face competition from Manchester United, who are desperate to land a defender in January.