Chelsea hope to secure the services of Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarín for £15 million when the transfer window re-opens next month, according to the Guardian.
The Blues were initially hoping to land the 27-year-old for £12 million but are prepared to pay what it takes in order to see off interest from other elite English clubs, with Manchester United reportedly keen.
The Colombian is a versatile midfielder who usually operates centrally or from the right, and has spent time at Saint-Étienne and Porto prior to his move to the San Siro.
Jose Mourinho already has a wealth of midfield options but is looking to take some of the pressure off Frank Lampard and Ramires, who have been used extensively this season.
His side have also been depleted by the loss of Marco van Ginkel, who is facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines with ligament injury.
Moreover, the arrival of Guarín would allow Kevin de Bruyne leave in January, either on loan or permanently, having failed to leave a lasting impression at Stamford Bridge since joining from Genk last year.
The Belgian hasn’t played a league game since August 26, against Manchester United, and is down the pecking order in west London.
Mourinho isn’t looking to make wholesale changes to his side in the New Year, given the desire to comply with Uefa’s new Fair Play Rules, but may look at adding defender Kurt Zouma from Saint-Etienne in addition to Guarín.
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