Chelsea have reportedly made Paris Saint-Germain midfielder Marco Verratti their prime target in the January transfer window.
The 24-year-old is contracted to the Ligue 1 champions until 2021 but is being sought by Blues boss Antonio Conte as he looks to maintain the side's title push in the second half of the season.
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are prepared to spend up to £40m in order to land their man, with funds in plenty supply as midfielder Oscar prepares to exit the club for the Chinese Super League in a £52m deal.
PSG are currently third in the Ligue 1 table and are said to be fiercely determined to keep hold of the Italian as they attempt to get their season back on track.
Verratti has racked up 115 league appearances for Les Parisiens since his move to the French capital from boyhood club Pescara in 2012.
Written by
Neil Wilkes
Neil Wilkes
