Chelsea are reportedly giving consideration to joining the race for Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans.
For the past year, the Belgium international has been heavily linked with a departure from the King Power Stadium due to his contract situation.
However, Leicester failed to receive sufficient interest in one of their key men last January and, in particular, during the summer when they may have perhaps welcomed a big-money sale.
As a result, Tielemans is now less than two weeks away from being able to hold discussions with foreign clubs, a consequence of his contract being due to expire at the end of the season.
Nevertheless, if reports are to be believed, the greater interest will come from Premier League clubs, who cannot negotiate pre-contract agreements with the player at this time.
© Reuters
Given that Leicester still have work to do in order to move away from danger of relegation, it is unclear whether the East Midlands outfit will be open to a mid-season sale for a cut-price fee.
However, according to CBS Sports journalist Ben Jacobs, Chelsea may consider trying to edge out their likely rivals for his signature at the turn of the year.
Although Chelsea are currently not short on midfielders, the likes of Jorginho and N'Golo Kante are now the wrong side of 30 and both out of contract in the summer.
As with Tielemans, it is likely that the pair will see out the season at their current club, but offers are likely to arrive with regards to their future in the coming weeks.
© Reuters
On the pitch, Chelsea are in need of a boost with the club currently sitting in eighth position in the Premier League table, as many as eight points adrift of Champions League qualification.
Despite their extravagant financial outlay in the summer, the West Londoners are likely to be active in January in a bid to turn around their fortunes in the top flight.
Jacobs suggests that Chelsea's best chance of winning the race for Tielemans is to present a cash offer for his services next month, rather than going head-to-head with a wide array of clubs later in the year.
Arsenal, Manchester United, Liverpool, Barcelona and Real Madrid have all been credited as admirers of Tielemans in recent months, highlighting the difficulty that would face Chelsea if they decide to remain patient with any pursuit.
After a poor World Cup with Belgium, Tielemans returns to domestic action looking to build on netting spectacular goals at Wolverhampton Wanderers and Everton in the build-up to the tournament in Qatar.
Darren Plant
