Chelsea have made a "huge" offer to lure centre-back Walter Samuel away from Roma, according to the player's agent.
The Argentinian, rated as one of the world's best defenders, would be an ideal replacement for Chelsea's ageing captain Marcel Desailly and could be set to join compatriots Juan Sebastian Veron and Hernan Crespo at Stamford Bridge.
"Chelsea have made a big offer that Roma are considering," Samuel's advisor Abel Balbo told the Guardian.
The player's agent Raul Oliveros added: "Chelsea's offer is huge and will be impossible for both the player and Roma to refuse.
Samuel, who is contracted to the Serie A club until 2006, last week admitted he was tempted by the prospect of playing in the Premier League and is likely to cost at least £15 million.