Chelsea close on Moses deal

Chelsea appear to be getting closer to signing Wigan forward Victor Moses and Marseille right-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

Blues chief executive Ron Gourlay is said to have contacted Latics chairman Dave Whelan on Monday to discuss a fresh bid for Moses.

Chelsea have already had a bid rejected for Moses, with Whelan said to be holding out for at least £8.5million. He told ESPN: "I have spoken to Chelsea's chief executive and they are easy to deal with. We have told them the price and they will come back and agree it or not."

He added: "We would much prefer the player to sign a new contract and stay but he wants to go to Chelsea and it's a good club so we cannot stand in his way."

Marseille president Vincent Labrune, meanwhile, has told L'Equipe his side have received a "very serious" offer for Spaniard Azpilicueta.

Marseille sporting director Jose Anigo has already admitted the club may be forced to sell Azpilicueta to fund new signings.

Chelsea are also being linked with a renewed bid for Bayer Leverkusen's Andre Schurrle having already spent almost £70million in recent months.