Zenit St Petersburg have reportedly told Chelsea that it will take a bid of £36m to sign Leandro Paredes this month.
Chelsea are in the market for a Cesc Fabregas replacement after the Spaniard joined Monaco, with Paredes understood to be one of their top targets alongside Nicolo Barella.
The Blues this week made an opening offer of £26.8m for Paredes, but Zenit have rejected the approach.
The Daily Mail reports that the Russian outfit are demanding £36m for the Argentina international, who returned to training with the team on Monday following the winter break.
Paredes's dream move is thought to be a return to play for former club Boca Juniors, but he has previously hinted that he would be open to joining Chelsea too.
Chelsea have reportedly already agreed personal terms with the player on an £80,000-a-week deal, but must now strike a bargain with Zenit before the transfer can progress.
Barney Corkhill
