Chelsea are considering a move for Manchester City defender Micah Richards in the summer, according to The Guardian.
However, they will face competition from Liverpool and Serie A sides Inter Milan and Fiorentina if they want to sign the capped England international.
Richards has spent this season on loan with La Viola, and they have already offered him a contract to join them on a permanent basis.
The defender’s contract with City expires at the end of the season, and as a result, he can move on a free transfer.
While foreign clubs like Inter and Fiorentina can move now, Chelsea will have to wait until later in the season.
At that point, they will likely have to compete with Liverpool too, who are also thought to be keen on replacing Glen Johnson with the right back.
Chelsea are particularly keen, with Richards a long term target of Jose Mourinho’s.
The Portuguese manager tried to sign him while in charge of Chelsea before and also while at Real Madrid.