Chelsea open Matias Vecino transfer talks and bid £35.5m for Mattia Caldara as they step up search for new signings

Chelsea have added Matias Vecino and Mattia Caldara to a growing list of targets as time in the transfer window starts to run out.

The Blues have opened talks with Inter Milan over the weekend for midfielder Vecino and have also lodged a £35.5m bid for Juventus defender Caldara as their patience over a move for his club team-mate Daniele Rugani wears thin.

There is still a possibility that Willian will be sold and Pulisic's name has joined Leon Bailey and Anthony Martial's as possible replacements.

With just 10 days before the window shuts, Stamford Bridge is expected to be a hive of activity.

Chelsea have signed only Jorginho and Robert Green so far, but the trip to Nice last week saw director Marina Granovskaia and owner Roman Abramovich step up negotiations.

Vecino is one of the players new coach Maurizio Sarri has asked for to help fast track his style of play at the club.

The Uruguay international played under Sarri when he was in charge of Empoli and the 59-year-old would prefer him in midfield over Tiemoue Bakayoko or Danny Drinkwater.

Chelsea used their friendly against Inter Milan in Nice on Saturday to officially ask about the possibility of buying the 26-year-old, who is valued at £31million.

Bakayoko's future in west London remains uncertain despite his agent insisting the France international wants to stay.

He struggled to impress after joining from Monaco for £40m last summer and has not made a positive impact in Sarri's first two pre-season games - he gave the ball away for Inter Milan's equaliser in the 1-1 draw.

Sevilla, who expect to sell Steven N'Zonzi, and AC Milan are both keen on the 23-year-old.

Granovskaia met with Juventus sporting director Fabio Paratici for the second time in the space of a few days in Nice.

Chelsea had hoped to conclude a £44.2m deal for Rugani, but the Serie A champions have complicated matters by wanting to include the sale of striker Gonzalo Higuain, who will cost between £54-57m, as part of the deal.

While Sarri wants Higuain, the hierarchy remain unsure about spending so much on a forward that turns 31 in December.

Juventus are reluctant to let Rugani go without an agreement for the Argentina striker as well so Chelsea have lodged two offers for Caldara worth £26.6m and £35.5m instead.

The 24-year-old joined Juventus last year but has yet to play for them as he was loaned straight back to former club Atalanta in 2017-18. His form earned Caldara an Italy debut in June.

However, he is also wanted by AC Milan in a potential swap deal involving Leonardo Bonucci going the other way.