Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Steven N'Zonzi and Branislav Ivanovic

Juventus are reportedly ready to move for Barcelona, Chelsea and Liverpool target Steven N'Zonzi, while Branislav Ivanovic is being linked with a surprise move to the Camp Nou.

According to Spanish daily Marca (h/t Calciomercato's Edo Dalmonte), Juventus are willing to trigger N'Zonzi's release clause to bring the former Stoke City man to Turin. Barcelona are said to be eyeing the in-form Frenchman as well, while there's some interest in his services from the Premier League.

The 27-year-old has reinvented himself since moving to Sevilla in 2015, becoming a key cog in the UEFA Europa League winners' midfield. The holding midfielder is a battering ram in front of the defence, but as shared by Squawka Football, he has also impressed with his range:

His rise has been quite remarkable, per Goal's Ben Hayward:

"

From Blackburn to Barcelona? The career of Steven N'Zonzi is on the up and up and, just a few years after he was part of a team that was relegated to the Championship in England, he could end up moving to Camp Nou.

[…]

He has blossomed at Sevilla under Unai Emery and now, in particular, Jorge Sampaoli, with a string of excellent performances for the Andalusian side that have seen Barcelona sit up and take notice, along with other elite European teams, including Chelsea.

"

He was arguably the best man on the pitch for either side in Sevilla's 3-1 loss against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League, once again proving he's become an elite midfielder who can hold his own against the very best.

Per Hayward, Sevilla want N'Zonzi to sign a new deal, and as long as he doesn't, major clubs will keep a close eye on the situation. At the age of 27, this could be the big break N'Zonzi has been waiting for, and he may not have the opportunity to move to a top club ever again.

Richard Martin-Roberts - AMA/Getty Images

At Barcelona, N'Zonzi would likely provide cover for Sergio Busquets, who has been far from his best during the 2016-17 campaign but still ranks among the best holding midfielders in the world.

His chances of starting would be greater at Juventus, who have a lack of depth in the centre of the pitch and often rotate, and Chelsea, where he would battle Nemanja Matic for the spot opposite N'Golo Kante. As a starter, he could finally push his way into the France national team.

Here's a look at some of his highlights:

N'Zonzi seems perfectly happy in Spain, and coupled with the allure of playing for the great Barcelona, the Blaugrana find themselves in a good position to land the midfielder. The club may balk at overpaying for a back-up, however, so Chelsea, Juventus and Liverpool will like their chances as well.

Meanwhile, Chelsea's Ivanovic continues to be linked with top clubs, despite losing his spot in the Blues' starting XI and suffering through a dreadful 2015-16 campaign. Per Mundo Deportivo (h/t the Sun's Sam Morgan), the Catalans have joined Juventus as a possible landing spot for the Serb.

IAN KINGTON/Getty Images

Per the report, Barcelona have contacted the Blues to discuss a move, highlighting Ivanovic's availability and versatility―he can play centrally, as well as out wide―as reasons for a transfer. The Catalans need depth at right-back, with Aleix Vidal expected to leave the club in January.

While Ivanovic has his appeal, he would still be an odd choice for the likes of Barcelona and Juventus. As shared by TheODDSbible, confidence in the 32-year-old is at an all-time low:

Ivanovic was a major disappointment during Chelsea's awful 2015-16 campaign, and he's fared little better this season. He's mostly come off the bench since manager Antonio Conte shifted to a 3-4-3 formation, and the Blues' results have improved massively.