Reports in Italy claim Chelsea have made an “extremely aggressive” approach to sign Dries Mertens as Liverpool joined the race to sign the striker.

The Belgium international will be a free agent in the summer, as negotiations over an extension have seemingly ground to a halt after earlier progress.

Corriere dello Sport claim the Blues are “more determined than ever before” to sign the Belgian and have succeeded in “turning his head”.

Other reports have suggest Frank Lampard has already personally held talks with Napoli’s all-time record scorer.

Meanwhile, Tuttomercatoweb claim that Liverpool have also put forward an offer to sign Mertens as a free agent at the end of the season.

His versatility is crucial, able to play as a quick centre-forward or in a wider role.

Mertens turns 33 next month and scored 12 goals in 29 games for Napoli this term, including six in seven Champions League matches.

He had plenty of opportunity to show off against Liverpool, scoring two goals in three encounters.