Chelsea have been linked with a move for Torino’s Serbia international defender Nikola Maksimovic according to the Mirror.
The report states that the Blues have stepped up their interest in Maksimovic who is valued at £18 million. Chelsea may face competition from their London rivals West Ham are also understood to be keeping tabs on the 24-year-old.
The Mirror go onto state that Chelsea are also maintaining in interest in the Lazio centre-back Stefan de Brij and Juventus defender Leonardo Bonucci. However, the Italy international is keen to remain at Juve.
Maksimovic is a versatile defender who can play in any position across the defence and as a defensive midfielder, much like his international compatriot Branislav Ivanovic.
The 24-year-old made a total of 16 appearances for Torino in all competitions lasts season and has four years remaining on his contact. The Serbia international joined Torino from Red Star Belgrade in 2013.
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