Chelsea will launch a last-minute bid to sign Watford midfielder Abdoulaye Doucoure on transfer deadline day, reports say.
The Blues are reeling after their shocking 4-0 loss to Bournemouth on Tuesday night, with Maurizio Sarri insisting again and again he needs a replacement for the departed Cesc Fabregas.
Chelsea were thought to be closing in on a replacement, but deals for Serie A star Nicolo Barella and Zenit Saint Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes fell through, with the latter joining Paris Saint-Germain.
Doucoure’s form has attracted the attention of some big clubs and the Mirror claim Chelsea are massive fans of the 26-year-old.
Watford were alarmed by Doucoure’s comments earlier this month which revealed the Frenchman had ambitions to play for the likes of PSG one day.
Chelsea will need to work quickly to seal a deal and convince a reluctant Watford to part with one of their most influential players on deadline day.
The window closes at 11pm tonight and Watford have Doucoure tied down at the club with a contract until 2023.
But Doucoure’s desire to play for a big club might help Chelsea, as he revealed his joy at being linked with PSG.
‘PSG holds an important place in my heart,’ Doucoure said.
‘They already contacted me, but I wanted to move to England at the time.
‘Hearing that such clubs are interested in you, it’s a pleasure.
‘I think a club like PSG are looking for a lot of players, they have a lot of leads, I’m not the only one. I’m happy to evolve at Watford and the club trusts me.’