CHELSEA have reportedly sent scouts to watch Atalanta midfielder Ruslan Malinovskyi as Frank Lampard looks to bolster his squad.
Club icon Lampard was unable to add to his team this summer with the Blues under a two-window transfer ban.
They are currently banned from signing any new players until the summer of 2020 after breaking FIFA regulations on the signing of minors from abroad.
But according to The Express, Stamford Bridge chiefs are already plotting a spending spree with Ukrainian Malinovskyi a target.
It is claimed two-time Premier League winner Claude Makelele scouted the 26-year-old during international competition last week.
Blues legend Makelele is thought to have been in high praise of Malinovskyi.
Chelsea will keep tabs on the Atlanta man, monitoring his situation as they prepare for a free spending transfer window.
It is also reported Chelsea have their eyes on Emanuel Vignato, but they are one of four clubs scouting the 19-year-old.
Other clubs keeping a close watch are Bayern Munich, AC Milan and Inter.
The youngster made it into the senior team last season, but Verona have since been relegated to Serie B.
According to La Gazzette dello Sport’s Nicolo Schira, Chelsea sent a scout to watch Emanuel in action for Verona’s 1-1 draw with Salernitana last month.
Given that Chelsea wingers Pedro and Willian’s contracts come to an end at the end of the season, Vignato will certainly remain high on their wish-list.
