There are conflicting reports on Chelsea-Barella reports

There are conflicting reports between Sky Sport Italia and its UK version on Chelsea’s pursuit of Cagliari midfielder Nicolò Barella.

According to SSI transfer guru Gianluca Di Marzio late last night, Maurizio Sarri desperately wants to bring in 21-year-old Italy international Barella, but the club hierarchy isn’t convinced.

The price-tag is at least €50m with competition from Inter, Arsenal and above all Napoli.

However, today Sky Sports UK claim that Chelsea are confident of doing a deal for either Barella or Zenit St Petersburg (and former Roma) midfielder Leandro Paredes by the end of this week.

That is because they won’t release Cesc Fabregas to Monaco until his replacement has been found.

Fabregas, whose contract expires in June, has already flown out to Monaco to work out personal terms.

Cagliari certainly seem to be preparing for life after Barella, as Boca Juniors confirmed they are negotiating the payment structure for the €21m release clause of Uruguay international Nahitan Nandez.