Chelsea have reportedly been told that it will cost £50m to sign Cagliari Calcio midfielder Nicolo Barella.

The Blues are eager to sign a replacement for Cesc Fabregas before the end of January, and Barella is one of a number of midfielders who have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge.

However, according to The Mirror, Cagliari are not willing to contemplate a sale unless any interested club is willing to meet their valuation.

Inter Milan have also been credited as admirers of Barella, but it remains unclear whether the Italian giants - or Chelsea - would be prepared to pay such a figure for a 21-year-old who may not be immediately regarded as first choice.

Chelsea are under pressure to make a decision with Paris Saint-Germain having allegedly won the race to sign Leandro Paredes from Zenit St Petersburg.