Chelsea
plan to enter contract talks with Victor Moses in the coming weeks after it
emerged he has become a transfer target for Barcelona, according to Sky
sources.
Moses' performances in a new wing-back role have been key to Chelsea's
stunning turnaround in form since switching to a 3-4-3 formation, sparking a
seven-game winning run in the Premier League.
He scored the winning goal in Saturday's 2-1 victory over title rivals
Tottenham, having previously found the net in wins against Burnley and
champions Leicester City.
The Nigerian international, who turns 26 next month, is under contract until
the summer of 2019, having signed a new four-year deal just before joining
West Ham on loan for the 2015-16 season.
He started only 16 games for the Hammers last season, yet has now become a
crucial part of Antonio Conte's team during their dominant rise to the top
of the Premier League table.
Sky Sports News HQ has been told Chelsea's technical director
Michael Emenalo - himself a former Nigerian international - has been
thoroughly impressed with the way Moses has adapted to his new role.
He is thought to be keen for Moses to be given an extended, improved
contract partly to acknowledge his position within the team but also to ward
off interest from Barcelona.
Moses has traditionally been seen as a winger but, after three successive
seasons away from the club on loan, has now established himself as a regular
in Chelsea's starting line-up at wing-back.
His role now involves taking a greater defensive responsibility and
Barcelona are understood to view him as one of the best right-back options
in Europe at present.
Chelsea are aware of Barcelona's interest and SSNHQ has been told by sources
at the Catalan club that they are actively searching for a right-back to
either replace or provide competition for Sergi Roberto.
They have sent a scout to a number of Chelsea games both home and away
throughout this season, and are understood to have been impressed with the
way Moses has performed in the matches they have attended.
Conte said at his pre-match press conference on Friday that Moses should
concentrate on keeping Chelsea on top of the Premier League and not think
about his contract situation or interest from other clubs.
When asked about the situation by Sky Sports News HQ, the Italian boss said:
"About Victor, I repeat, it's more important to be focused on the present.
It's important to be focused game by game".
However, with Emenalo keen for Moses to be tied down to a new long-term
contract, Chelsea director Marina Granovskaia, who handles all player
contract negotiations on behalf of the club, is expected to begin talks with
Moses' representatives in the coming weeks.
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