Chelsea head coach Antonio Conte has reportedly decided to step up his interest in Southampton defender Cedric Soares.
It has been well documented that the Blues boss is desperate to add to his squad before the end of the transfer window, with defenders and midfielder said to be on his radar.
The Premier League champions have been credited with interest in Virgil van Dijk but according to Corriere Dello Sport, Conte is also keen on signing his Saints teammate.
The 25-year-old has impressed during his two seasons at St Mary's, and although boss Mauricio Pellegrino is unlikely to have any desire to sell one of his most valued players, it has been claimed that Chelsea have made a bid for the Portuguese international's signature.
Soares - who has made 55 Premier League appearances for Southampton - could also attract bids from both Barcelona and Juventus before the end of the transfer window.
The former Sporting Lisbon full-back still has three years remaining on his contract.
Darren Plant
