Chelsea are poised to launch a late challenge to Tottenham for the signing of AC Milan striker Krzysztof Piatek.
The Blues are switching to the 24-year-old Poland International with first-choice Edinson Cavani of Paris Saint-Germain closing in on a move to Atletico Madrid.
Piatek had been in negotiations with Spurs but the north Londoners moved on to Real Sociedad’s Willian Jose after failing to agree an initial loan deal with Milan.
As the transfer deadline approaches, however - and with Jose priced out of a move to Spurs by Socieded - Spurs are set to return to Piatek.
Now, though, Chelsea are interested as Frank Lampard hunts more firepower ahead of the second half of the season.
West Ham have expressed an interest but Piatek has rejected them in favour of a move to a bigger club.
Although Piatek has managed only four goals in 18 outings for Stefano Pioli's Milan side, he had an excellent campaign last season, with 19 goals for Genoa to earn his move to Milan where he scored 11 times during the second half of the campaign.
Lampard recently emphasised that his squad needs to strengthen this month in order to challenge for trophies and a top-four place.
The Blues were unable to sign players last summer but their FIFA-imposed transfer ban has since been lifted.
Lampard said: "It's a big test coming up for us, it's clear we've got a punishment where we couldn't bring in players and we lost one of the biggest players in our history (Eden Hazard).
"My job is to work every day on the training ground with the players - can we get better? We lost ground last summer so now we need to (sign players), to challenge for top four.
"For me it's clear. I don't want tot get caught up too much in the money because its not my job. The recruitment when you've missed a window in the short term is very important and we need to get it right."
