Philippe Coutinho has reportedly been offered a transfer lifeline by Chelsea, with Blues boss Frank Lampard keen to sign the Brazilian on loan.
Barcelona are desperate to offload Coutinho this summer after he has failed to impress in a temporary spell at Bayern Munich.
There were signs Barca could find it difficult to move the 27-year-old on due to demands over his transfer fee, as the La Liga giants want at least £70million in return.
But Chelsea could offer an alternative solution to both Barca and Coutinho, by taking him on a season-long loan which could eventually be made permanent.
Spanish publication Sport report that Chelsea are already in talks over a potential deal involving Coutinho.
The London club wanted to sign the playmaker last summer, but were still under a UEFA-imposed transfer ban.
Barca are pushing for the loan deal to include an obligation for Chelsea to buy at the end of next season.
Coutinho's inconsistent performances at Bayern have not convinced Lampard to commit to a permanent deal, but he is hopeful of helping the player return to form.
The Blues have set aside around £30million to fund the loan move though, which would include making Coutinho one of the highest earners at the club.
Chelsea would rather the deal included an option to buy, as opposed to an obligation; even if that means paying a larger fee should they decide to sign him in 2021.
A switch to Stamford Bridge could suit Coutinho too, who prefers to return to England if there is no future for him at Barcelona.
Key to the discussions is Coutinho's agent Kia Joorabchian, who holds strong links at Chelsea.
But despite Leicester withdrawing from the race, Chelsea are not the only club willing to take him on loan.
Man Utd and Everton have both expressed an interest, but Coutinho would rather not sign for a direct rival of former club Liverpool.
Tottenham also remain interested after negotiations broke down last summer, while French club PSG are open to involving Coutinho in a possible swap deal for Neymar.
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