Chelsea are weighing up a move for £25million-rated Blackburn youngster Adam Wharton, with Crystal Palace also still pursuing a deal for the midfielder.
Wharton has enjoyed a breakthrough season at the Championship club this season, notching up two goals and three assists in the league so far.
The 19-year-old played against Chelsea in the Carabao Cup earlier in the season and the Blues sporting director Paul Winstanley has been to see the England Under-20 international in action recently.
And now according to The Sun, Mauricio Pochettino’s side will join the race for Wharton’s signature in the final days of the January window.
Blackburn are said to be holding out for a bid of around £25m and have already rejected an approach from Crystal Palace believed to be in the region of £18.5m.
Wharton signed a five-year-deal to remain at Ewood Park only last month and is said to prefer a move that will guarantee him regular football rather than being loaned out the following season.
Chelsea are yet to make a move in the January transfer window, although they have recalled promising midfielder Cesare Casadei from his loan spell at Leicester City.
Reports have linked the Blues with a move to bring in more attacking firepower in the final days of the window.
Pochettino’s side have reportedly turned down the chance to sign Karim Benzema but are still being linked with a surprise move for Aston Villa forward Jhon Duran.
Elsewhere, the future of key midfielder Conor Gallagher remains uncertain, with three top-half Premier League clubs all interested in his services.
The midfielder is out of contract in 18 months and Chelsea are open to offers for the Englishman.
Chelsea face a big trip to Anfield on Wednesday as they take on Liverpool in the Premier League.
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