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Maurizio Sarri urges Chelsea to sign Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella

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Nicolo Barella is at the top of Maurizio Sarris shortlist (TF-Images/Getty Images)

Maurizio Sarri is pushing Chelsea to sign Cagliari midfielder Nicolo Barella, according to reports in Italy.

The 21-year-old is widely regarded as one of the top young prospects in Serie A, while Andrea Pirlo claimed earlier this season that the midfielder is already one of the best players in Italy.

Barella has been heavily linked with Liverpool and Tottenham, but Chelsea have also been keeping a close eye on his progress at Cagliari.

According to LUniuone Sarda, both Sarri and his assistant Gianfranco Zola are convinced of Barellas quality and have urged Chelseas hierarchy to sign the midfielder.

And the report claims that Chelsea are now ready to submit a €45 million (£40.7m) offer in the January transfer window.

Barella is one of Serie As top young prospects (Getty Images)

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Barella has admitted that he rejected offers to leave Cagliari in the summer transfer window, but the Serie A club could be tempted to sell in January if Chelsea follow through with their bid.

Chelsea also face competition from several teams in Italy as Juventus, Inter, AC Milan and Roma are all reportedly interested.

Barella has already established himself as a key part of Cagliaris midfield, while his impressive performances were rewarded as he received his first senior cap for Italy in October.