Exclusive - Chelsea are considering competing with Paris Saint-Germain and Bayern Munich for the signature of Inter midfielder Marcelo Brozović.
Inter are contemplating parting ways with the Croatia international to fund their own shopping spree, with Chelsea's N'Golo Kanté and Tottenham's Tanguy Ndombele on Antonio Conte's wish list, and both Bayern and PSG have made it clear that they would be interested in landing Brozović.
The two Champions League finalists are both ready to launch bids, but a source has confirmed to 90min that Chelsea have been alerted to Brozović's availability and the player is keen to play under Frank Lampard at Stamford Bridge.
Blues midfielder Mateo Kovačić, who has played with Brozović at Dinamo Zagreb, Inter and for the Croatian national team, has spoken highly of his fellow countryman to Lampard, who remains open to adding a new midfielder.
Chelsea have already invested heavily in their squad this summer, striking big money deals for Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner and Ben Chilwell, alongside the free transfer of Thiago Silva. Bayer Leverkusen's Kai Havertz is expected to follow suit, after which Lampard will consider which other positions need improvement.
The boss is happy to see that Jorginho is likely to stay at Stamford Bridge following Maurizio Sarri's departure from Juventus, but with doubts over the long-term futures of Kanté and Ross Barkley, a move for Brozović has not been ruled out.
Should Kanté leave, West Ham United's Declan Rice remains Lampard's preferred candidate for the role, but Brozović would provide something different and Lampard has instructed his scouts to conduct background checks on the Croatian ahead of a possible move - something he demands for all his targets.
The Blues are by no means the only English side to have tracked Brozović. Liverpool, Manchester City and Manchester United have all sent scouts to monitor the midfielder in 2020 and could well enter the race at a later date.
Brozović has just two years remaining on his contract and Inter recognise that selling now may be their last chance to demand a sizeable fee for a player who is seen by many to be one of the finest in his position.
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Source : 90min