Cesc Fabregas could be heading for the exit door at Chelsea after West Ham United allegedly entered the race to sign the midfielder.
Spanish news outlet Mundo Deportivo suggested that the Hammers will look to sign Fabregas after the 29-year-old fell down the pecking order at Stamford Bridge.
Fabregas has started just one Premier League game under Chelsea boss Antonio Conte this term after losing his regular starting spot to summer signing N'Golo Kante, and has been the subject of speculation throughout the summer transfer window and beyond.
The Spain international was linked with a move to AC Milan on Tuesday after reports linked Fabregas with a swap move for defender Mattia Di Sciglio.
However, West Ham manager Slaven Bilic is now said to be looking to bring Fabregas to the London stadium in a bid to strengthen his first-team squad, though a concrete offer has yet to materialise.
Meanwhile, Chelsea are reportedly monitoring the situation of Stefan De Vrij at Lazio as the Serie A club eye contract talks with their defender.
Il Messaggero claimed that De Vrij was a target for Chelsea boss Antonio Conte during the summer transfer window, and that the Italian could plot a move for the centre-half as early as January.
De Vrij, who has plied his trade at Lazio since July 2014, could be available for £31m due to a release clause in his current deal with the Rome-based outfit.
However, Lazio are said to be keen on handing the 24-year-old an improved contract in a bid to ward off interest from Chelsea - though whether De Vrij harbours ambitions of signing a new deal with his current employers remains to be seen.
The Netherlands international has featured 47 times since making the switch from Feyenoord two summers ago, but made just five appearances in 2015/16 after undergoing surgery on a knee injury sustained in a Champions League playoff tie against Bayer Leverkusen.
De Vrij has notched one goal in seven appearances for Lazio so far this term.
Join the conversation by following Tom Power on twitter!