Everton were hoping to have a clear run at signing Belgium midfielder Axel Witsel, but reports this morning claim that Chelsea have now enterred the race for his signature.
The 27-year old has been linked with a move to Goodison Park as Ronald Koeman looks to freshen up his midfield, but according to the Daily Mail this morning, Antonio Conte has also set his sights on the midfielder.
Conte has had first hand experience of Witsel during Euro 2016, when his Italy side stunned the tournament with a fine opening game victory.
In fact, Witsel has only been a back up option for Chelsea. His Belgian teammate Radja Nainggolan has been one of the clubs main transfer targets, but his club Roma have given the blues the knockback on every occasion.
Witsel, who only has a year left on his contract at Zenit St Petersburg is said to be open to a move to the Premier League, and a straight fight between Everton and Chelsea seems most likely.