Chelsea are ‘in direct talks’ with Benfica over the potential transfer of World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano.

The Blues “want to offer a huge transfer fee” rather than pay his £106million release clause, but Benfica have previously stated that they will not sell the midfielder for less.

Fernandez is understood to have already said yes to Chelsea.

Liverpool and Man Utd are also known to be interested, but neither club has placed an offer.

According to reports via The Sun, Chelsea have seen off competition from both Manchester United and Liverpool to land Benfica star Enzo Fernandez.

Said to be priced at a whopping £105million, the Benfica star was named the World Cup’s stand out young player after helping Argentina to success in Qatar.

The 21-year-old does have a contract until 2027 but it is the Blues who have seemingly stepped ahead in terms of negotiations, as Graham Potter looks to land one of football’s hottest young stars.