Barcelona Transfer News: Latest Rumours on Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has reminded Cesar Azpilicueta, Marcos Alonso and Nemanja Matic their club is a major force after speculation linked the trio with a switch to Barcelona.

Spanish newspaper Marca (h/t Metro) reported Blaugrana sporting director Robert Fernandez and scout Urbano Ortega had travelled to London to watch Chelsea defeat West Ham United in the Premier League, "keeping a close eye" on the three talents as they review their defensive options.

However, Conte has moved quickly to address the rumours and told the three stars they are already playing for one of Europe's elite teams.

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According to Tom Olver of Metro, Conte said:

"

There is a lot of speculation on the players and me. We are doing a good job, my players and staff and it is important to continue to do it this way.

It is normal for my players to be linked with other teams. Don’t forget Chelsea is a great team in the same way as Barcelona and Real Madrid.

"

Sergei Chuzavkov/Associated Press

Azpilicueta and Alonso have excelled under Conte this term as the Blues take English football by storm once again after a tough campaign last year.

Chelsea lead the Premier League by 10 points from Tottenham Hotspur, and their defence has been imperious after Conte introduced a new tactical system at Stamford Bridge.

According to BBC Sport, the Blues have conceded just 20 goals in 27 Premier League contests, with Azpilicueta growing in stature in a back-three.

The Spanish pair have been integral in the manager's plans, becoming regular starters as the team leads England's top division.

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Alonso arrived in the summer and has started in 21 Premier League games, scoring four from wing-back, according to WhoScored.com.

Barca will be looking to the future after manager Luis Enrique announced he will not be at the Camp Nou next term, per the club's official Twitter account.

It is unlikely Chelsea would allow three of their core squad to depart in one swoop, but if the La Liga champions knock on the door of the Spanish defenders, they have every chance to tempt them back to their homeland.

Matic has emerged as one of Europe's most diverse defensive midfielders and would give Barca added steel to screen the back line.

Barca have appeared vulnerable in defence since the end of last season and need to add elite defenders to their squad in the summer.