Chelsea's Ramires Reportedly Targeted for Neymar Link-Up by Barcelona

Barcelona are aiming to add another South American star to their ranks next summer, and it looks as if Chelsea's Ramires is the man who fits the bill.

This of course comes just a few months after La Blaugrana acquired the talents of former Santos sensation Neymar.

According to the Mirror's John Cross, Ramires has done enough to court the attention of the La Liga champions and is one of three men that Gerardo Martino is looking to bring into his squad:

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Barcelona boss Tata Martino has drawn up a three-name shortlist with sporting director Andoni Zubizaretta as they look for an experienced top quality midfielder.

They believe Ramires’ Brazilian connection and friendship with Neymar could help them swing a deal for the hard working Chelsea star.

They also know that Mourinho’s fierce rivalry with Barcelona could be a factor in making a move for Ramires very difficult.

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The Catalan club aren't the only Spanish titans interested in the playmaker, it seems, after Sky Sports reported the player to be ignoring speculation linking his signature with Real Madrid.

Since joining Chelsea in 2010, Ramires has helped the West London outfit to three major titles—the FA Cup, the Champions League and the Europa League. He also played a role in Brazil's 2009 Confederations Cup triumph prior to his arrival.          

The 26-year-old has featured in all 11 of his side's Premier League matches this term, forming a strong bond alongside Stamford Bridge veteran Frank Lampard.

Squad prominence is bound to be of vital importance to Ramires, who will be seeking as much playing time as possible heading into a World Cup year—in his own nation, no less.

Neymar has featured alongside Ramires in the national frame for several years now, but it seems strange to purchase a player strictly for the intention of improving another already within the squad.

After all, Barca are famed for their ability to produce prodigious talent from the infamous La Masia academy. The likes of Andres Iniesta and Xavi were brought through the club's youth ranks, while Sergi Roberto is just one of a number of new names emerging for that midfield area.

Cross lists Juventus' Arturo Vidal and Koke of Atletico Madrid as the other two names on Tata Martino's shortlist, telling us that the Spaniards are on the hunt for a versatile talent capable of playing in a box-to-box capacity.

While Ramires might fit that criteria, there's a lot of factors in play before anything comes to fruition, with Mourinho's interventions bound to play a role in the script.