The reason Chelsea are reportedly in pole position to sign ex-City man Suarez

Chelsea are being heavily linked with Barcelona midfielder Denis Suarez.

And according to the Daily Express, the Blues are in pole position to sign the Spain international.

The Express say Barcelona are keen on a permanent deal in January for Suarez and that, while AC Milan are looking to sign him on loan, Chelsea are ready to buy him.

Milan are reportedly looking to take him on loan with a view to eventually signing him, whereas Chelsea are said to be ready to do a deal when the transfer window reopens in January.

Suarez, 24, was previously at Manchester City and is reportedly open to a return to the Premier League.

Chelsea therefore look well placed to sign him – if they really want him.

West London Sport point out that Chelsea already have a wealth of midfield options- and suggest the player is being linked with the Blues because he wants to return to England and his representatives are therefore touting him for a move.

He would certainly face stiff competition for a place at Stamford Bridge, where Blues boss Maurizio Sarri has the likes of Jorginho, Ross Barkley, N’Golo Kante, Cesc Fabregas, Mateo Kovacic and Ruben Loftus-Cheek at his disposal.