The Mirror says with a deal for Lokomotiv Moscow defender Branislav Ivanovic being wrapped up, Chelsea are going back for Sevilla right-back Dani Alves, who was priced out of a move to Stamford Bridge in August. Grant also has the backing of Blues owner Roman Abramovich to bid for Valencia's unsettled strike-ace Villa.

Valencia have signalled Villa could leave for a non-Spanish club if the right offer comes in. Alves, whose on-off move to the Bridge last summer collapsed when Sevilla rejected a £17m bid, is likely to be available as the club seek cash for rebuilding plans.