Chelsea are ready to push the boat out for Napoli star Edinson Cavani. The Daily Mail says manager Andre Villas-Boas is short of options in attack after selling Nicolas Anelka earlier this month, while Ivory Coast international Didier Drogba will leave to play in the African Cup of Nations in January.

The future of Fernando Torres also remains unclear despite Villas-Boas insisting the £50million flop is not for sale.

Chelsea scouts have been sent to watch Cavani, who scored three goals in two Champions League appearances against Manchester City this term.

Premier League leaders City are also interested in the 24-year-old, but reports in Italy claim Chelsea have been in contact with Cavani's agent with a view to a January move.