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.
Chelsea are also interested in Zenit St. Petersburg star Leandro Paredes, who has scored three goals in 15 starts so far this term.
