Chelsea have reportedly opened talks over a deal to sign PSV Eindhoven attacker Noni Madueke.
The former Tottenham Hotspur youngster has made a name for himself in the Netherlands with 20 goals and 14 assists in 79 appearances for PSV across all competitions.
Madueke left Tottenham in 2018 to join PSV's youth setup, and he was involved in 15 goals (nine strikes, six assists) in 35 games during the 2021-22 season.
The 20-year-old helped Ruud van Nistelrooy's side win the KNVB-Beker and Dutch Super Cup last term, but his 2022-23 campaign has been severely disrupted by injury.
A serious ankle problem has restricted Madueke to just eight appearances and two goals this season, but the England Under-21 international is still being monitored by several clubs across Europe.
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A recent report claimed that Chelsea were considering a move for the attacker, whose contract expires in 2025, and they have seemingly stepped up their interest.
According to football.london, Chelsea and PSV have now entered discussions over a January deal for Madueke, with Graham Potter determined to add to his attacking ranks.
Van Nistelrooy's side have already lost Cody Gakpo to Liverpool this month, though, and the report adds that PSV are therefore reluctant to part ways with Madueke.
However, a fee of €45m (£39.9m) could supposedly be enough to prise the English youngster away from PSV, and the pursuit is being spearheaded by newly-appointed technical director Christopher Vivell.
Vivell is understood to have been keeping tabs on Madueke during his time with RB Leipzig, and his interest in the 20-year-old has not dwindled despite his recent injury problems.
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Addressing the media on Friday, PSV boss Van Nistelrooy admitted that Madueke could leave for the right price, although he is hopeful that the attacker sees his future in the Eredivisie.
"There can be situations like with Gakpo where top club comes with a certain offer... I hope to keep Noni, we will see," Van Nistelrooy told reporters.
Chelsea have already brought in four new faces in January, acquiring David Datro Fofana, Benoit Badiashile and Andrey Santos on permanent deals while signing Joao Felix on loan from Atletico Madrid.
However, Felix was sent off 58 minutes into his debut in Thursday's 2-1 loss to Fulham in the Premier League, incurring a three-game ban which could apparently cost Chelsea as much as £2.1m.
Potter will aim to avoid a fourth successive defeat when 10th-placed Chelsea tackle Crystal Palace in Sunday's London derby in the top flight.
Ben Knapton
