Chelsea are preparing a major bid for Everton star Marouane Fellaini.

The Daily Star Sunday says they are still hopeful they will sign Belgium striker Fellaini in the summer from Everton for £25million.

The Londoners had hoped to sign him during the last transfer window but a deal couldn't be thrashed out by all the parties involved.

Manchester United also showed an interest in landing Fellaini, 25, but after forking out £22m on signing Robin van Persie from ­Arsenal in the summer, their resources were limited.

Fellaini's form has dipped since he was subjected to the transfer ­speculation and Everton might just now feel the time is right to sell.

Chelsea are believed to be ready to offer a five-year deal with wages of £4.5m.