ANDREAS CHRISTENSEN is in advanced talks with Barcelona over a free transfer, according to reports.

The Chelsea centre-back's contract expires at the end of the season.

And as it looks increasingly likely he will not sign an extension at Stamford Bridge after rejecting a number of extensions.

He is able to sign a pre-contract agreement with a new club now to join in the summer.

Christensen teamed up with the KIN agency around Christmas, where Lionel Messi’s older brother Rodrigo has huge interests.

And Sport in Spain state the Denmark defender, 25, and his representatives have been holding extensive discussions with the Nou Camp giants.

The Catalan side are very keen on Christensen as they look to bolster their back line.

There were negotiations over a potential transfer a few years ago.

Most read in Football

GUNNERS NEWS LIVE

Vlahovic £88m bid, Arthur Melo TALKS underway, Thomas Partey RETURN

TRANSFERS LIVE

Aston Villa IN for Luis Suarez, Chelsea facing battle for Tchouameni

CRIS CROSS

Furious Ronaldo storms off pitch and throws coat on floor after Man Utd sub him

BET PROBE

FA launch investigation into yellow received by Arsenal ace after bookie request

FREE BETS: GET OVER £2,000 IN NEW CUSTOMER DEALS

But this time around, cash-strapped Barca know they can secure the 55-cap star without having to pay a transfer fee.

The report adds Christensen has dreamed of playing for Barcelona for many years.

However, it is not a done deal just yet and a number of Premier League clubs are said to be interested in the former Brondby youngster.

The centre-half, though, wants to respect Chelsea so will not consider a proposal from any English clubs as Bayern Munich also fight for his signature.

Borussia Dortmund and Atletico Madrid have also been linked with a swoop.

Christensen has made 21 appearances under Thomas Tuchel this season, scoring two goals.

The Blues risk losing fellow defenders Antonio Rudiger and Cesar Azpilicueta this summer with their contracts also expiring.

 Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals

    Source: Read Full Article