According to reports in The Mirror, Chelsea remains in pole-position to land Italian midfielder Marco Verratti, should he decide to leave Paris Saint-Germain in the summer.
 

The 24-year-old has been the subject of much transfer speculation in recent weeks and the player’s agent has also added fuel to the fire by claiming that his client could leave the French capital if they fail to win a trophy this season. The journal suggests that Blues boss Antonio Conte, is prepared to fight off competition from both Manchester United and Juventus to try to land the players signature.
 

Despite the upturn in form of his Chelsea side, the Italian tactician is determined to continue to strengthen the team and has identified Verratti as one of his main targets for next season. The midfielder signed a new five-year deal in August but has had a controversial start to the new campaign including being caught smoking by the wife of teammate Marquinhos, who posted the photograph on social media.

Steve Mitchell @barafundler