Chelsea have been encouraged in their pursuit of Santos midfielder Thiago Maia.

The Daily Star says Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is said to be keen on taking him to west London, with reports three weeks ago suggesting the Blues had enlisted the help of infamous agent Kia Joorabchian in an attempt to secure his services.

The Stamford Bridge outfit aren't the only side apparently eyeing a deal to prize him away from the Vila Belmiro though.

Ligue 1 champions Paris St-Germain are believed to be interested in adding him to their own South American contingent, which already includes Uruguay's Edinson Cavani, Argentina's Javier Pastore and Maia's compatriot Lucas Moura.

Globo Esporte says Maia is now willing to leave Santos after earlier indicating he was prepared to stay for the remainder of the season.