Romano: Chelsea are back in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernández

Romano: "Chelsea are back in direct talks with Benfica for Enzo Fernández. They want the player at all costs — Chelsea would be prepared to pay €120m fee.

Benfica president Rui Costa has still no intention to accept — but Chelsea will insist to get the deal done now."

Chelsea have reopened talks with Benfica to sign midfielder Enzo Fernandez.

The Blues failed in their efforts to land the Benfica star earlier this month when their bid did not match Benfica's demands.

However, Chelsea have not given up hope of landing Fernandez before Tuesday's deadline and are once again in talks with the Portuguese club.

The latest move for the Argentinian comes after Brighton rejected Chelsea's £55million bid for Moises Caicedo.

Fernandez's release clause is £106million and Benfica are keen to receive the full payment upfront.

Chelsea saw a bid with £112million - £6m more than his release clause - rejected as it was structured to be paid in three instalments totalling £37.3m each over three years.

However, Benfica were bullish in their stance that the structure was not suitable for them, despite Fernandez's very public attempts to leave the club.

Despite having the first bid rejected, Chelsea maintained contact with the Argentina international's entourage.

Benfica themselves released a statement at the end of December insisting that Fernandez would remain with them until the end of the 2022-23 campaign.

‘SL Benfica clarifies that at no time did the President of the Club, Rui Costa, utter the words that are being circulated in Italy by DAZN,’ the club said.

‘Sport Lisboa e Benfica reiterates its intention to count on the player Enzo Fernández until the end of the season.’