Chelsea in pole position ahead of Manchester United and Juventus for CSKA star Aleksandr Golovin
United looked to have deal in place for Golovin before World Cup kicked off, but his price tag has soared after starring for hosts in group phase with Chelsea now in talks with player's agent
CHELSEA have moved ahead of Manchester United and Juventus in the race for Russia star Aleksandr Golovin, according to reports.
United looked to be in pole position to land the 22-year-old midfielder when Jose Mourinho was in Innsbruck before the World Cup to watch him play against Austria.
However, reckon the Blues have nipped ahead of United after a meeting with Golovin’s agent about a switch to West London.
Juventus bid £18million for the CSKA Moscow star before the World Cup.
But the bid was rejected with the Russian club hoping Golovin would shine for the hosts and spark a bidding war for his services.
The Serie A champions looked to have moved on to other targets knowing how strong Chelsea’s interest is in Russia’s World Cup star.
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The attacking midfielder has been excellent for Russia and has lived up to pre-tournament billing, helping the hosts reach the last-16 - where they face Spain in Moscow on Sunday.
Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich has told CSKA’s top brass they will pay closer to the Russian club's £27m valuation and make him one the first signings for new boss Maurizio Sarri.
The ex-Napoli coach is close to being officially named as Antonio Conte’s replacement, despite the Italian still officially in the Stamford Bridge hot seat.
Chelsea are also close to landing Juventus defender Daniele Rugani, as soon as Sarri takes over.
The Italian agent Davide Torchia revealed he expects talks to step up once the 59-year replaces Conte.
He told Sport Italia: “It’s obvious to say that the Sarri issue must be resolved first.
“After that, we can proceed with the negotiations and make them more or less concrete.”