Report: Barcelona could target Chelsea's Ziyech, Werner in January

Barcelona's bid to strengthen their squad in January could lead to surprise moves for Chelsea midfielder Hakim Ziyech and forward Timo Werner, sources told ESPN's Sam Marsden and Moises Llorens.

Barcelona have asked about the availability of the Chelsea duo, who have emerged as alternatives to Manchester City attacker Raheem Sterling, Marsden and Llorens add.

Sterling was targeted by the Catalan side last summer, but a move for the England international in January could be too costly for a Barcelona team that is looking to add players on initial loan deals.

Barcelona - limited by their financial situation - are in the market for players that haven't featured regularly for their clubs this season, with Ziyech and Werner fitting the bill after struggling for minutes at Chelsea under manager Thomas Tuchel.

The two players cost Chelsea more than €100 million in 2020 but have only appeared in 20 matches in all competitions this season combined.

Given their financial situation, Barcelona could struggle to complete signings without generating money either through sponsorship deals or by selling players who won't be part of new manager Xavi's plans for the future.