Former Wanderers defender Marcos Alonso is expected to join Spanish giants Barcelona after leaving Chelsea by mutual consent.

The 31-year-old has been linked with a move to Camp Nou throughout the summer and will reportedly sign a three-year deal.

Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang moved the opposite way on deadline day, joining the Blues for a £12million fee.

Alonso joined the Whites from Real Madrid in the summer of 2010 and went on to make 46 appearances during a three-year spell at the club.

The defender left the UniBol to join Italian side Fiorentina and also went on to have a loan spell at Sunderland.

He made the move to Stamford Bridge in 2016 and has enjoyed success both domestically and in Europe with the Blues.

An official statement read: “A thoughtful and extremely likeable man off the pitch, Alonso was the epitome of suave around Cobham, but it is his impact in the final third that will linger longest in the mind when his six thoroughly successful seasons in SW6 are reflected upon in the years to come.

“Everyone at Chelsea Football Club would like to thank Marcos for his service to the Blues and wish him all the very best for the rest of his career.”

Chelsea had prepared for his exit by signing Marc Cucurella from Brighton in a reported £63million deal last month.

Barcelona finished second in La Liga last season – 13 points behind Real Madrid, who cliched the league title.

Xavi’s side are currently third in the table, having picked up seven points from their opening three matches.

The Spanish outfit also bolstered their defensive options with the addition of Arsenal right-back Hector Bellerin on deadline day.

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