Chelsea have joined the race to sign Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin, offering Demba Ba in exchange.
Chelsea have joined the race to sign Inter midfielder Fredy Guarin, offering Demba Ba in exchange.
There were reports this afternoon that Nerazzurri directors and Guarin’s agent had visited London on Wednesday for negotiations with English clubs.
At first it was believed the sides involved in talks were Manchester United and Tottenham, but Sky Sport Italia now claim Chelsea were also present.
Jose Mourinho is said to be a fan of the 27-year-old Colombian international and wants him at Stamford Bridge.
Guarin would be a useful January signing, especially as he is eligible for the Champions League or Europa League.
It’s suggested Chelsea could offer Demba Ba as part of an exchange, perhaps including a bid for Inter defender Andrea Ranocchia too.
Senegal international Ba scored for Chelsea in last night’s Champions League 1-0 win over Steaua Bucharest, which secured top spot in the group.
He would be useful for the Nerazzurri, who need a new striker after injury problems for Diego Milito and Mauro Icardi.
Ranocchia has increasingly been pushed down the pecking order at Inter, as he struggles in new Coach Walter Mazzarri’s three-man defence.
Chelsea have the upper hand in negotiations with Inter thanks to Mourinho’s past at the club, where he won the Treble in 2010.