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Chelsea prepare £60k-a-week deal for international star after discovering £31m buy-out fee
CHELSEA have stepped up their interest in Roma midfielder Miralem Pjanic.
Chelsea accelerate interest in Roma's Miralem Pjanic
That is according to The Times, who claim Chelsea director and lead negotiator Marina Granovskaia has already made contact with Pjanic’s representatives.
The Blues are thought to have been told to sign the 25-year-old by Stamford Bridge-bound Antonio Conte, who is reportedly set to be named as Guus Hiddink’s replacement as manager later this month.
The Bosnia international is expected to demand a £60,000-a-week deal, and Chelsea are said to be negotiating with his advisers after learning of his £31million release clause at Roma.
Pjanic has been in impressive form for the Serie A giants this season, scoring 11 goals and setting up a further nine in all competitions so far.
Miralem Pjanic - Spotlight on
Antonio Conte wants Miralem Pjanic ahead of his Chelsea move
But the former Lyon playmaker, who joined Roma in 2011, is facing yet another season of missing out on the Italian league title as his side sit eight points behind leaders Juventus in third place.
Conte - currently in charge of the Italian national team - has also reportedly advised Chelsea to make a move for Pjanic’s Roma team-mate Radja Nainggolan.
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