Chelsea fans in the Transfer Tavern will be keeping close tabs on the developing story that the Stamford Bridge outfit are poised to sign Juventus centre-back Daniele Rugani.

Chelsea have been linked with the highly rated Juventus centre-back, with Corriere dello Sport via the Metro reporting the South West London side are poised to make an offer for the Italian. Rugani made 22 Serie A appearances for the Champions of Italy last season.

With Gary Cahill now 32, and it looking like his best years are behind him, the Italian 23-year-old looks a perfect player for the Blues to invest in. Fellow centre-back Andreas Christensen also did little to impress the Stamford Bridge faithful last season. Rugani has played plenty of games in Serie A for a side that is dominant in Italian football, and will likely bring some much-needed winning mentality to the Bridge.

Uncertainty around the future of manager Antonio Conte has so far blighted the Blues attempts to bring players into the club. Whilst Rugani doesn't possess any great pace, he is a perfect modern centre back. Not often drawn into going to ground, and with ability on the ball necessary in the modern centre-back, £35m might just be a price worth paying. To return Stamford Bridge to the fortress it once was, signings like Rugani (who is valued at £19.8m by Transfermarkt) are what Chelsea need to solidify their defence.

The Verdict:

This signing would be a step in the right direction for the Blues. The uncertainty around the manager has seemingly hampered their transfer business this window, but they must look to make big signings soon. It seems there are many gaps in this Chelsea team which need filling, and a centre back of Rugani's quality would go a long way to solving the West London clubs defensive issues.