Chelsea are tracking Nicolo Barella of Cagliari.
According to a report in The Sun the young midfielder has earned glowing reports from Chelsea scouts in recent weeks.
Barella has also attracted the attention of Liverpool but with Antonio Conte in charge of Chelsea Stamford Bridge is a more likely destination.
Cagliari are currently sitting in 15th place in the 20 team Serie A with Barella’s battling qualities showing up well in his breakthrough season.
Most of the top clubs in Italy have been linked with the 20-year-old who made 16 top team appearances on loan at Como last season and has stepped up to play 23 Serie A matches this season.
Conte has an unrivalled knowledge of players across Italy while his reputation as manager of Juventus and Italy is a big attraction to Italian players.
Although Chelsea are well of currently for midfielders Conte wants to build up a quality squad for the twin challenges of the Premier League and Champions League.