The 20-year-old joined from Juventus last year, following a loan spell with Roma. His reported £50million release clause could prove a stumbling block if Chelsea don’t finish in the top five, but they have defensive players who could potentially head in the other direction to help dilute any fee.

Chelsea are favourites to sign highly-rated Bournemouth centre-back Dean Huijsen, with Enzo Maresca said to be a fan of his profile.This season has been a breakthrough campaign for the young

I like Huijsen but we have Wesley Fofana, Tosin Adarabioyo, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badiashile, and more on loan. A new centre-back is not what we need. Only if we offload one or two would I want us to sign Huijsen.