Inter Milan midfielder Nicolo Barella has revealed he almost joined Chelsea in January 2019.

The former Cagliari star was identified by the Stamford Bridge club as a suitable replacement for Cesc Fabregas who joined Ligue 1 club Monaco.

Barella stated that there were “concrete” talks with the Blues, but remained at Cagliari and eventually signed for Inter in the summer on an initial loan deal with an obligation to buy.

The Italy international told Gazzetta dello Sport that: “Chelsea had been looking to sign me in January, the negotiations were concrete. At Cagliari I said: ‘it is not an easy time for the team, I will stay until the end of the season. Then I will make a decision’.”

Barella has emerged as an important member of Antonio Conte’s first-team squad at Inter, making 13 appearances and scoring three goals, as well claiming two assists.

The 22-year-olld has revealed that he would “die” for his manager, expressing how his extrovert character is having a positive impact on his players.

He added: “He [Conte] has a different attitude, a way of talking to you that gives you something new. I’d die for him, that applies to all his players. And that makes the difference.

“Do you see how Conte’s teams run? It’s not only because they are well prepared. It is the outcome of what he puts in your head.

“Years ago I wrote all my goals down. The first was to get to Serie A with Cagliari: I succeeded. Then there was also the one to wear the Inter shirt: done.”