Chelsea have made a surprise move for Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel.

Witsel is expected to join Juventus after missing out on a move in August.

Tuttosport says Witsel admits he does not know if he will link up with Max Allegri's title hopefuls in January or July, but that hasn't stopped Chelsea from making an audacious last-minute move for his services.

Blues manager Conte is desperate to bring Witsel to Stamford Bridge next month after topping the Premier League table at Christmas.

Brazilian outcast Oscar is on the verge of moving to China for around £60million, leaving a gap to fill in Chelsea's star-studded squad.

And although Witsel plays in a deeper midfield role, he could be just the man to take Oscar's No.8 jersey.