Chelsea 'contact' striker's agent and ramp up efforts to land Cesare Casadei replacement

Chelsea are back in action this weekend, taking on a top four rival in Manchester City. The Blues returned to the top four with a win on Monday night, and they will be looking to stay there with a statement win this weekend.

In the meantime, the transfer window continues to unfold, and Enzo Maresca is still keeping an eye out for possible incomings, with outgoings also likely. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Duran interest

Chelsea are still said to be interested in Aston Villa striker Jhon Duran as they look to add competition for Nicolas Jackson at the top end of the pitch. According to Simon Phillips, the Blues have ‘established contact’ with the player’s representatives over a possible deal.

Though, the Daily Mail say Aston Villa are demanding as much as £85million, and if that is the case, the Blues are not going to pay close to that amount this month. Villa have already rejected an offer of just under £60million from West Ham, making it clear they don’t want to sell this month.

Belahayne chase

The Blues are said to be interested in a deal to sign Hellas Verona midfielder Reda Belahayne. According to Gianluca Di Marzio, the Blues are pushing to land the holding midfielder to replace Cesare Casadei, who is headed to Italy this month, albeit a deal is yet to be finalised.

The 20-year-old may be hesitant to become a squad player at Stamford Bridge, but there could be a case made for a purchase and a loan straight back to his current club to ensure he is still playing regularly. Belahayne has made 22 league appearances for the club since arriving from Nice in the summer, winning a Morocco cap in the process.

Maresca on injuries

Enzo Maresca has issued the latest on Chelsea’s injuries, confirming that Levi Colwill, Enzo Fernandez and Cole Palmer are all in contention to face Manchester City.

“Probably Levi and Enzo could be ready [to feature against Man City],” he said. “It depends on today’s session.” Maresca added on Palmer: “He is better. He did an unbelievable effort to play against Wolves and he is getting better.”

Asked if this is a good time to play City, who lost to PSG during the week, Maresca added: “I don’t believe in these kind of things. I think more the other side; with this club and these players, when they are in a difficult moment, it is when they want to show how good they are. They want to go against everyone saying, ‘if you think we’re not good enough, we’ll show everyone how good we are’. I don’t think there’s a good moment to play against City.”