Chelsea scouting Andrew Omobamidele

Norwich City defender Andrew Omobamidele has emerged as a summer transfer target for Premier League rivals Chelsea. Irish international Omobamidele has been one of the few shining lights of the Canaries' disappointing Premier League campaign, scoring a first league goal for the club against Leeds United at Carrow Road in October.

Chelsea have earmarked Omobamidele as a long-term replacement for Thiago Silva, who has been considering retirement from football. 

Norwich City are keen to keep hold of the centre-back though, and are said to be unwilling to listen to offers for the 19-year-old.

Chelsea are ready to pay £23 million for the 6 foot 2 defender, and the Blues are confident that a transfer deal can be agreed for a July transfer move, particularly if Norwich find themselves relegated and headed for another spell in the Championship.

The Canaries have been promised funds by the board to add new players this January, and so tomorrow's deadline will be an interesting time to see if any new defenders are brought in to Carrow Road. That could signal an impending departure for the impressive Omobamidele.