Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has refused to rule out a move for Cesc Fabregas, admitting he is looking at the situation.
Barcelona are widely reported to be ready to let Fabregas leave this summer, as he is not believed to be in the plans of new boss Luis Enrique. Further reports have suggested that former club Arsenal - who have first refusal on Fabregas -- have decided against bringing him back to the Emirates.
The likes of Manchester United -- who bid for Fabregas last summer -- Manchester City and Chelsea are all being suggested as potential suitors for the 27-year-old, who is currently with the Spanish squad ahead of the World Cup finals. Now Mourinho -- talking at a pre-World Cup event for Yahoo, for whom he is working for during the tournament in Brazil -- has admitted to having a liking for Fabregas, seemingly rubbishing claims that he was not a fan of the midfielder.
"I am interested in studying Fabregas' situation," he is quoted as saying by the Portuguese media. "I think he is anxious to leave Barcelona and motivated to return to England. I think that is clear."
Mourinho does not believe that Fabregas' future will be resolved ahead of the World Cup.
"Whether he is going to sign for Chelsea or for another club, that is not a a subject to be discussed today, tomorrow or before the World Cup."
On Wednesday, Barcelona defender Gerard Pique criticized the club for not being appreciative enough of his teammate Cesc Fabregas. However, club officials and fans are not entirely happy with how Fabregas has performed over the last three seasons, and there have been reports that the Spain international could be sold this summer.
Pique has now defended his compatriot's record at the Camp Nou and has claimed that he is not appreciated enough in Barcelona.
"I really like Cesc and I know he is going through a tough time because the club don't appreciate him as much as they should," the 27-year-old told reporters. "He is one of those players who would be first-choice at any other club in the world, the star of the team. Despite that, he is finding it harder at Barca. I don't know what he is going to do; we haven't spoken about that."
Pique added: "I hope he stays because if you look at his stats this season, he is our highest-scoring midfielder and the one with the most assists. Of course I want him to stay with us."
