Express Sport understands the Sweden international has long been a target for Blues boss Antonio Conte. The Stamford Bridge club were understood to be willing to activate the centre-back's £25million release cause.

Chelsea summer transfer targets Thu, June 29, 2017 Who could Chelsea sign this summer? Play slideshow AFP/Getty Images 1 of 11 Tiemoue Bakayoko

And according to Portuguese newspaper Record, Benfica are fearful of a last-minute swoop for their star man. The report says the Blues and Inter Milan are both tracking the 22-year-old and could make a deadline-day offer.

GETTY Benfica are reportedly fearful Victor Lindelof could be poached on deadline day