Chelsea are reportedly in advance talks to sign Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes in January.

The Blues are in the market for a replacement for Cesc Fabregas, and the west Londoners have been strongly linked with Nicolo Barella from Cagliari Calcio.

However, the 21-year-old Italian midfielder is allegedly against a move in the mid-season and according to Sportitalia as quoted by The Mirror, that has led to the Premier League giants moving into advanced talks regarding the signing of Paredes.

The report adds that the Argentine’s alleged price-tag of £31.5million is lower than Barella’s value of £40.6m.

Chelsea are also interested in to bring a new frontman, leaving Paredes as the most impressive option at the midway point of the campaign.