Chelsea eyeing marquee signing before deadline

Chelsea are expected to enter the transfer market for a marquee signing before the transfer deadline next Tuesday.

The Blues have agreed to sell Liam Delap and Nicolas Jackson to Nottingham Forest and Aston Villa, respectively.

Alongside the two strikers, midfielder Enzo Fernandez could likewise depart amid interest from Manchester City.

The incoming funds will pave the way for a big-money signing before the deadline, and a midfielder is likely to be prioritised.

Bournemouth's Alex Scott is the prime target for the west London giants, but the Cherries have shown no desire to sanction his sale.

They have already rejected three bids, with the highest being £70m, but Chelsea are prepared to make a renewed attempt soon.

It has been widely claimed that a package in the region of £80-85m could ultimately tempt the Cherries to part ways with Scott.

Scott has already given the green light to join the Blues. Manchester United are no longer keen, having landed Carlos Baleba.