Manchester City and Chelsea are encouraged in their interest for Barcelona midfielder Sergio Busquets.

With Cesc Fabregas starting his Barca career in such thrilling fashion, Busquets is expected to be the one to make way when Andres Iniesta returns from injury.

Sport says Chelsea and City are interested in the Spain international ahead of the January market.

City see Busquets as cover for injury-prone Nigel de Jong, while Chelsea are watching him as a replacement for the absent Michael Essien.