Chelsea line-up £23.6m bid for Barca defender Gerard Pique

Chelsea have reportedly made an official £23.6m offer for Barcelona centre-back Gerard Pique as they look to bolster their squad ahead of the January transfer window, reports The Metro.

The Spain international is expected to leave the Camp Nou this New Year in search of new challenges, after scoring 12 goals in 170 appearances for the Catalan club since 2008.

The reports has suggested that the Blues are first to make an approach for the 27-year-old defender, who has also been highly linked with a move to join Old Trafford in summers.

Meaning, the west London club could face a stiff competition for the signature of Pique from his former club Manchester United.

It’s understood that Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is keen to bringing Pique to Stamford Bridge following the departure of David Luiz to French champions Paris Saint-Germain this summer.