Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic is close to agreeing a deal for European champions Chelsea, according to the Daily Star.
The Blues reportedly had a £20 million bid for the Montenegro international rejected earlier this summer, but La Gazetta dello Sport, an Italian publication, believes that £25 million, which is thought to be the buy-out clause in the forward’s contract, would be enough to lure Jovetic to west London.
Serie A champions Juventus are also reportedly keen on the former FK Mladost Podgorica youth star, with Napoli also thought to be interested in the Viola talisman.
Jovetic totaled 14 goals and three assists in 27 Serie A appearances for Fiorentina last season, his best goal-scoring campaign since the 2007-08 season with Serbian SuperLiga giants Partizan Belgrade.
In addition, the 22-year-old has netted nine times in 20 international caps for Montenegro.
Chelsea already have an embarrassment of riches in attacking options, and Jovetic would surely add to that.
If this deal goes through, expect the Blues to abandon their interest in FC Porto standout Hulk.
Blues eye Piszczek to fill right-back vacancy
Having already cut ties with Jose Bosingwa and placed Paulo Ferreira on the transfer list, Chelsea are in desperate need to fill their vacancy at right-back.
At the moment, Poland international Łukasz Piszczek appears to be on the Blues’ shortlist for the position, with the European champions willing to spend £15 million for the right man.
According to Metro, Chelsea are looking at four different options at right-back, including the likes of Piszczek (Borussia Dortmund), Gregory van der Wiel (Ajax), Mathieu Debuchy (Lille OSC) and Rafael da Silva (Manchester United).
FC Porto reject £30 million bid for James Rodriguez
As reported by the Daily Mail, Manchester United had a sensational £30 million bid for 20-year-old FC Porto star James Rodriguez rejected, and have subsequently increased their interest in the Colombia international.
Rodriguez enjoyed a breakout season in 2011-12, bagging 13 goals in 20 league appearances for the Dragões.
He also represented Colombia in the Under-20 World Cup, starting five games and tallying three goals and two assists.
The former Club Atlético Banfield starlet is extremely versatile, and can play on either flank, as a support-striker or as the main front-man.
Sir Alex Ferguson has signed a few pretty good players from the Primeira Liga in Portugal, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Nani.
Will Rodriguez be the next Primeira Liga star to end up in Manchester? At the moment, I would say so but a lot can change.
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