Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has been encouraged in his pursuit of Inter Milan wing-back Antonio Candreva.
The Mirror says Conte has held a long interest in the Italy international and was first linked with him last summer.
Inter do not want to sell the 30-year-old without a replacement – but have now identified Keita Balde as just the man.
However, Inter face stiff competition from Juventus for the Lazio flier, so Chelsea still have a way to go to seal a deal.
Candreva, who can play at wing-back on either flank, was a favourite of Conte's while he was the Italy boss.
Source: tribalfootball.com