Chelsea have reportedly identified Atalanta BC midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi as a potential transfer target.

While the Blues are currently serving a two-window ban, the Premier League giants are hopeful that they will be able to sign players in January.

According to Sportarena.com, Malinovskyi has emerged as a possible addition having been recommended by backroom member Claude Makelele.

However, the 26-year-old is still to make an impression in Serie A, despite costing Atalanta £13.7m during the summer.

The Ukraine international has made just two starts and four substitute outings, with a further two appearances coming off the bench in the Champions League.

Chelsea will monitor the development of Malinovskyi before considering an official approach.