Chelsea are reportedly preparing a bid of around €17.5 million for Roma’s Daniele De Rossi.
The 29-year-old has been linked with a move to big spenders Paris Saint-Germain, as well as Real Madrid.
However, according to The Daily Express, the Blues’ new manager Jose Mourinho has decided to raise the amount of money he wants to offer for De Rossi from the initial figure of €11.5m.
The club are rumoured to be ready to listen to any offers at €17.5m or over, so Chelsea potentially stand a good chance of getting their man.
Mourinho had tried to sign the midfielder in 2006, during his first spell at Stamford Bridge, and was also interested in purchasing him at Real Madrid.
De Rossi met with Roma’s sporting director Walter Sabatini on Tuesday but no decision was agreed on regarding his future.
He is apparently eager to find out his place in the plans of recently-appointed coach Rudi Garcia.
And I want 17.5 million for my aunt fanny maybe Chelsea will stump up that fee as well, just as likely.
De Rossi is an excellent player but his wages is too high.