Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Silva lay groundwork for Chelsea to complete Paulo Dybala transfer

Enzo Fernandez has already given Chelsea a major boost to their hopes of signing Paulo Dybala this month. The 30-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently as Mauricio Pochettino looks to further bolster his attacking options in the January transfer window.

Dybala, who sees his contract at the Stadio Olimpico expire in 18 months, has featured 13 times for AS Roma in Serie A this season, scoring five goals and providing six assists. Despite suffering a few injuries, the Argentina international has led the Giallorossi to within four points of a Champions League qualification spot.

As the west Londoners plot an ambitious push for top-four themselves, Pochettino has reportedly identified Dybala as somebody who could provide his side with a cutting-edge in front of goal. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Chelsea want to capitalise on his release clause which can be trigged by submitting a €12million (£10.3million) bid – a fee that is only valid for for foreign clubs.

However, it's said that the Argentine's release clause expires on January 15, meaning that the Blues only have a week or so to wrap up a deal. Fortunately for Pochettino, Fernandez has already spoken to Dybala about a potential move to Stamford Bridge.

When asked about speculation linking Dybala with Chelsea in the summer, the midfielder told Argentine publication Ole: «Yes, I saw something about that. We’ll see. I hope he comes. I talked to him and told him that I’m waiting for him to share a barbecue or something. I need someone to share the mates.»

As it happens, Fernandez was not the only Chelsea player to get in contact with Dybala in the summer over a potential move. Speaking at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Thiago