Maurizio Sarri 'tells Chelsea to sign Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj'

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has reportedly urged the club to raid his former side Napoli for defender Elseid Hysaj.

Sarri has already managed Hysaj at two different clubs, taking him from Empoli to Napoli in 2015 and making him a key part of his side at the Stadio San Paolo.

Telesport reports that the Italian boss now wants to bring the 24-year-old to Stamford Bridge as he eyes defensive reinforcements during the January transfer window.

Napoli chairman Aurelio De Laurentiis is understood to be open to the idea of selling Hysaj, having become frustrated at his demands for a significant wage increase.

The Albania international is also thought to be willing to reunite with Sarri in West London, having seen the prospect of a summer move quickly turned down by Napoli.

However, Chelsea may be forced to wait until next summer to get their man, with Napoli reluctant to sell Hysaj in the middle of the season.

The Serie A outfit are understood to be considering a bid for Red Bull Salzburg right-back Stefan Lainer as a potential replacement for Hysaj.