Chelsea's frustrating search for a centre-half could hinge on one of their targets joining another club.

Torino defender Nikola Maksimovic has been on Antonio Conte’s list but the Serb is edging towards a move to Napoli.

Maksimovic and his agent have met director of football Cristiano Giuntoli in Milan to finalise the deal with Napoli paying £26million.

The transfer could mean Napoli will relent over Kalidou Koulibaly, having turned down a £43m bid from Chelsea.

Napoli have been trying to scare Chelsea off by valuing Koulibaly at £60m and have offered him a new contract. Manager Maurizio Sarri would prefer to keep the player rather than cash in but the arrival of Maksimovic would at least give Chelsea some hope.

Yesterday, Chelsea were told another of their targets, Alessio Romagnoli, was out of reach. The club bid £35m for the Italian but AC Milan said in a statement: “We have received a significant offer for Alessio Romagnoli from Chelsea. The player is not for sale, therefore this negotiation will not continue.”

Conte has been anxious to strengthen his defence with John Terry now 35 and question marks over Branislav Ivanoic and Gary Cahill last season.

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