Chelsea have reportedly set aside £70million to sign Lazio star Sergej Milinkovic-Savic if their transfer ban is overturned.

The Blues will have their appeal heard by the Court of Arbitration on November 20 to learn whether their two-window ban is overturned before January.

And if it is Frank Lampard is ready to waste no time in opening Roman Abramovich’s cheque book to bolster his squad.

Having been banned from signing players in the summer, the Blues will have cash to burn when handed the opportunity.

According to the Mirror, another midfielder is at the top of the priority list and Milinkovic-Savic remains on the shortlist.

Manchester United were heavily linked for the 24-year-old in the summer but failed to get a deal over the line.

And Chelsea are ready to join the race have already sent scouts to watch him in Serie A this season.

Lampard wants competition in midfield despite the emergence of Mason Mount in the first team.