AC Milan duo on Maurizio Sarri's winter shortlist

Chelsea manager Maurizio Sarri has reportedly drawn up a two-man shortlist involving Alessio Romagnoli and Mattia Caldara to bolster the central defensive department in the New Year.

The Blues were after a new centre-back during the summer but they failed to pursue one after they were rebuffed in their attempts to sign Daniele Rugani from Juventus.

Despite this, Sarri has not given up on bolstering the position this term and according to Calciomercato, the Blues will attempt to sign one of Romagnoli or Caldara from AC Milan this winter.

Nonetheless, the Blues have their task cut out to convince the Rossoneri, given Caldara only joined the club from Juventus this summer whilst Romagnoli has penned a long-term deal with the reward of the captain's armband.

The central defensive duo are widely regarded as the future of Italy and they were paired together by Roberto Mancini during the Azzurri's 1-0 defeat to Portugal in their second Nations League game.