Chelsea will look to replace Frank Lampard by going in for Everton midfielder Marouane Fellaini in the summer.
Lampard is expected to leave at the end of the season when his contract expires, after the Blues told the 24-year-old he would not be offered a new deal. And the Chelsea hierarchy have identified Fellaini as the perfect replacement.
The Belgian international has a buyout clause of just £22 million ($35.5 million), inserted when he signed a new five-year-deal in 2011, according to the Times, and Chelsea, aware of the situation, are ready to take advantage.
There were reports previously that Fellaini would cost any club around £30 million ($48 million), but if the release clause reports are true, then Chelsea might be in for a bargain for one of the best players in the English Premier League.
Interim manager Rafa Benitez has been asked about his opinion on Fellaini, and has given a glowing recommendation, despite it being unlikely the Spaniard will be at Chelsea next season.
Everton are in a bit of financial trouble, announcing losses of £9 million ($14.5 million) last week for the year ending June 2012, and also have some serious debt worth nearly £50 million ($80 million).
Fellaini can play in a variety of positions - be it defensive midfield, attacking midfield or even as a striker. The 25-year-old has excelled this season in a more advanced position, playing behind a lone striker, and has netted nine goals already this campaign.
The only negative aspect about Fellaini is his suspect temperament, which was highlighted by the headbutting incident involving Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross. That led to the Belgian being suspended for three matches, with David Moyes publicly admonishing his player's behavior.
It is widely believed Fellaini will leave at the end of the season, despite having three-and-a-half years remaining on his contract. Manchester United, Manchester City and Arsenal have also shown an interest in the past, but Chelsea remain the favorites.
The only way Everton are likely to keep their biggest asset is if they qualify for the Champions League by finishing in the top four. While that remains a distinct possibility, it might still not be enough to tempt Fellaini to stay at Goodison Park come the end of the season.
