Chelsea are the frontrunners to sign Amadou Diawara from Bologna.

Italian website GianlucaDiMarzo.com reports that the Blues are leading the race for the 18-year-old midfielder who made his Serie A debut in August.

It is believed that Diawara's agent Robert Visan has reached an agreement with Pini Zahavi, who works closely with Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich, putting the Premier League champions in 'pole position' to land the youngster.

Diawara is also on the radar of Italian giants Juventus and AC Milan but the Blues currently have their noses in front according to the reports.