Chelsea are considering a late move for Manu Kone as a potential replacement for Enzo Fernandez.
The Roma midfielder is the subject of interest from Chelsea, Standard Sport understands.
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It is understood that the Italian club do not want to lose the French midfielder, but Chelsea have Kone on a list of potential replacements for Fernandez if he leaves before the deadline.
Manchester City have long-standing interest in Fernandez and are expected to push to complete a deal before the window closes.
Chelsea want more than £120million for the Argentine, who they were willing to sell as long as they feel they finish the window in a stronger position.
That means any signing who comes in if Fernandez heads in the other direction does not necessarily need to be a like-for-like replacement.
Fernandez has been left out of the squad in both of Chelsea's last two matches: the victories over Luton Town on Thursday and Brighton and Hove Albion on Sunday.
"We assess what's best for the team and considering everything, the situation, we need a team that is focused, with everyone involved that's fully committed and engaged with the game,” Xabi Alonso explained.
The Italian media have reported that Roma are yet to receive any formal bids for Kone.
Kone is not the only midfielder Chelsea have explored as they have been working on a potential deal to sign Lamine Camara, the 22-year-old Monaco and Senegal star.
Chelsea are also keen on Crystal Palace and England midfielder Adam Wharton, and remain interested in Alex Scott, though Bournemouth have firmly insisted all summer that he is not for sale at any price.
