Chelsea favourites to sign wantaway Serie A star?

Chelsea are favourites to sign defender Matthijs de Ligt, who has refused to pen a new deal at Juventus, Corriere dello Sport claims.

The Netherlands international has two years left on his contract with the Bianconeri and has no plans of renewing with a pay-cut.

The 22-year-old has now handed in a transfer request, and it is claimed that Chelsea and United are the front-runners to sign him.

De Ligt is eager to move to the Premier League this summer, but he won't come on the cheap with a price tag of around £70m.

Among the Premier League duo, Chelsea seem best-placed to sign him as they are prioritising a new central defender for next season.

United also have the financial muscle to purchase him, but their knack of deliberating over price tags could be a potential drawback.

De Ligt has been a long-term target for Blues manager Thomas Tuchel, and he was initially keen on signing him last summer.