Chelsea have edged forward in a move for AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli.

The Stamford Bridge club sent scouts along to watch the 23-year-old as he played in Sunday evening's Milan derby against local rivals Inter at the San Siro, according to Italian outlet Calcio Mercato.

Romagnoli was on the losing side after Mauro Icardi bagged a late winning goal in the last minute of added time.

Chelsea sent scouts to watch AC Milan defender Alessio Romagnoli on Sunday evening

He took part in the Milan derby against local rivals Inter, which his side lost 1-0 late on

Milan captain Romagnoli has emerged as a target for a number of Premier League sides going into the January transfer window.

He is also on an extended list of targets for Jose Mourinho, who is still keen to shore up his Manchester United defence.

It is not the first time that Chelsea have targeted the Italian over the last few years.

They put in a bid for him in the summer of 2016, with Milan going as far as to confirm that they had turned down the offer.

Chelsea are eyeing 23-year-old Romagnoli ahead of a potential move to bolster their defence

But with Gary Cahill heading towards the end of his top-level career and Andreas Christensen behind David Luiz and Antonio Rudiger in the pecking order, Maurizio Sarri now needs reinforcements in defence.

Chelsea are third in the Premier League after drawing against United at the weekend.

They face BATE at Stamford Bridge on Thursday night in the Europa League before travelling to Burnley at the weekend.