Chelsea have entered the hunt for Athletic Bilbao striker Fernando Llorente.
It is believed that Blues owner Roman Abramovich has given club officials the go-ahead to step up their pursuit of the 26-year-old, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
The Stamford Bridge side regard the Spain international as a possible replacement for Nicolas Anelka.
However, they may have to battle it out with Real Madrid and Tottenham Hotspur for his signature.