Chelsea enter race to sign £70m-rated centre-back

Chelsea have reportedly joined Manchester United in the pursuit to sign Inter Milan's Milan Skriniar during the January transfer window.

United were heavily tipped to make a move for the Slovakian during the summer but a deal never materialised with them being reluctant to match the Nerazzurri's transfer demands.

However, they have been linked once more with the central defender ahead of the New Year but Metro reports that they could face competition from Premier League rivals Chelsea.

Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has relied largely on the services of David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger to perform the central defensive duties this term but he is said to want another big-name signing to sustain the title challenge.

Inter are currently understood to value Skriniar at around £70m but his agent has recently suggested that talks are already underway with the club regarding a new bumper contract.

Chelsea have remained unbeaten since the start of the league campaign and their run sees them four points behind table-toppers Manchester City. Their most recent encounter against Everton ended in a goalless draw.