Chelsea have rejected a third Barcelona bid for forward Willian in the region of €60m (£55m), according to fresh reports.
Sky Sports have published a report stating the 29-year-old was the subject of a third bid over the weekend after the FA Cup winners knocked back two previous approaches.
It is reported the defensive work-rate and application of the Brazil international is a key reasoning behind Barca’s interest.
El Mundo Deportivo say the Brazilian would occupy one of three non-EU spots in the squad without a sale being required despite Philippe Coutinho, Yerry Mina and Arthur Melo in the Camp Nou ranks.
There has been talk that central defender Mina may need to be sold this summer but the report claims Barca are confident that Coutinho’s application for a Portuguese passport (his wife’s nationality) should be finalised soon.
However, doubt has also been cast upon Barca’s aspirations for continuing with their pursuit of Willian due to being locked in talks for Bordeaux winger Malcom.
Last season Willian scored 13 goals, assisted 12 and starred against the Blaugrana in the Champions League.
The Brazilian has scored 44 goals in 236 appearances for Chelsea since joining the club from Russian side Anzhi in 2013.
