Barcelona have Chelsea teenager Andrey Santos among their list of possible targets as a long-term replacement for Sergio Busquets.
Barca boss Xavi and sporting director Deco are both keen on the deal and representatives of the two clubs are understood to have discussed the idea.
Benfica and Porto have also shown interest in a loan move for the 19-year-old midfielder but Chelsea’s new boss Mauricio Pochettino wants a closer look at him as he assesses all his options.
Santos is currently in pre-season training with Pochettino’s squad at Cobham after clearing work permit problems that delayed the start to his career at Stamford Bridge upon his £18million transfer from Vasco da Gama in January.