Antonio Conte is hoping to convince Southampton to sell Graziano Pelle to Chelsea this summer as the Italian looks to strengthen the Blues squad, reports the Sun on Sunday.
Conte handed Pelle his international debut and is keen to continue their relationship at club level, with the experienced striker entering the final year of his contract.
Southampton must now decide whether to retain the Italian's services for another 12 months or cash in on him at the end of the season, with an £8m fee mooted.
Pelle has been left out of Ronald Koeman's last two squads, with the Saints boss unhappy with the 30-year-old's lack of effort in training.
With Diego Costa tipped to depart Stamford Bridge this summer, Chelsea are in the market for another striker, with Pelle emerging as a viable option for the London side.
For more stats on Graziano Pelle, click here to view his WhoScored player page
