Barcelona eye Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner amid uncertainty over Raheem Sterling: Report

Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner could find mselves in Barcelona colours if y are allowed to leave by Chelsea during January transfer window. According to an ESPN report, Barcelona has targetted Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner as an alternative to Manchester City's Raheem Sterling. England midfielder Raheem Sterling has been linked with an exit from Manchester City, with Barcelona touted as a potential destination due to lack of game time.

Barcelona eye Chelsea duo Hakim Ziyech and Timo Werner

According to a report from Metro, City are rey to listen to offers for Raheem Sterling transfer in winter transfer window and could possibly charge more. However, re will be only 12 months left on Sterling's contract at end of this season, and City could lower asking price to £45 million - £50 million as a result.

As per ESPN report, Barcelona will look to bring Ziyech and Werner on loan in January until end of season, with an option to buy included in a deal but not an obligation. Both Ziyech and Werner have found it hard to break into Chelsea's playing 11 and are have started matches from bench most of time. 

Ziyech has started just two Premier League games this season, although he has me 11 appearances in all competitions. Werner, meanwhile, has been limited to nine appearances in all competitions, with only six of m coming as a starter.  Hakim Ziyech was signed from Ajax for €40 million last year, while Timo Werner joined Chelsea from RB Leipzig at same time in a deal worth €53 million. 

How has Barcelona done so far this season 

Following poor start under former coach Ronald Koeman, Barcelona will hope to improve ir form under new coach and club legend Xavi Hernandez. Dani Alves was brought on board on a free transfer with ESPN report stating that club has been ow pushed to brink of ir spending limit with LaLiga this season. 

As per report Barcelona's cap, which includes player wages and any signings throughout season, has been fixed at €97m. However, y can spend 25% of any money y save on salaries or make on player exits. club has or ways to increase ir spending limit, such as bringing in new sponsors, but sources told ESPN club are primarily focused on moving on players who are not part of Xavi's plans to make space on wage bill.