Inter Milan have rejected a £13 million bid from Chelsea for Fredy Guarín, their Colombia midfielder, but are prepared to sell the 27-year-old once their £15 million valuation is met.

José Mourinho is eager to bolster the centre of Chelsea’s midfield to consolidate his team’s position as Barclays Premier League contenders and his leading target is Guarín, who can also play on either wing. Negotiations are at an advanced stage.

Mourinho has denied that Chelsea will add another forward to his first-team squad during the transfer window. “A striker, 100 per cent no,” he said. “It is not a priority, it is not an option. We have three. The market is open, but for us almost closed.”

Chelsea have been linked with Gonzalo Higuaín, of