Chelsea have reportedly touched base with Inter Milan over a potential move for midfielder Marcelo Brozovic.
The Croatia international is out of contract in the summer of 2022 and is not expected to be short of suitors if he departs the Serie A champions on a free transfer at the end of the season.
Inter chief Beppe Marotta is thought to remain hopeful that an agreement can be reached over a new deal, but as things stand Brozovic seems set to depart San Siro in under 12 months' time.
Manchester United, Paris Saint-Germain and Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with a swoop, but according to FC Inter News, Chelsea have already made contact with Inter over a possible move.
However, the report adds that Brozovic does want to remain in Milan if an agreement can be reached, but Inter are reluctant to fork out his yearly €6m (£5.1m) salary request.
Brozovic has started every game for Simone Inzaghi's side so far this season and boasts a total of 25 goals and 33 assists from 251 appearances at Inter.
Ben Knapton
