Chelsea open talks to sign Everton midfielder

Chelsea have held tentative talks with Everton over the possibility of signing Toffees midfielder Idrissa Gueye, according to reports.

The Blues are in advanced negotiations to sign Romelu Lukaku and are trying to talk Ronald Koeman’s side down from their £100million valuation.

However, the Blues have used talks over Lukaku to enquire about team-mate Gueye, according to Bleacher Report.

Antoino Conte views the midfielder as perfect competition for N’Golo Kante, who was crowned the PFA Player of the Year during Chelsea’s title-winning campaign last season.

However, Everton are unwilling to listen to offers for Gueye and have told Chelsea that the midfielder is not for sale at any price.

The Senegal international moved to Goodison Park last summer from Aston Villa and thrived during his debut campaign with the Toffees, making 36 appearances under Koeman.