Chelsea are lining up a move for Italy international Nicolo Barella as they seek a replacement for Cesc Fabregas.
Fabregas has agreed personal terms with Monaco over a two-and-a-half year contract, which includes a signing bonus worth in excess of £9m, and the midfielder is expected to join the Ligue 1 club this month.
The Blues are currently at odds with Monaco over the transfer fee. Chelsea have asked for £10m, but Monaco are unwilling to match that figure with just five months left to run on his Stamford Bridge contract.
However, a resolution is expected and the Blues are preparing for life after Fabregas.
They are thought to be competing with Manchester United, Napoli and Inter Milan for Barella. Cagliari demanding £45m for his signature and would prefer to sell him in the summer.
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Chelsea are also interested in Zenit St. Petersburg star Leandro Paredes, who has scored three goals in 15 starts so far this term.