Napoli are keen on Chelsea wing-back Yuri Zhirkov.

Aurelio de Laurentiis, Napoli's movie mogul president, wants to lift the quality of his squad for the second-half of the season and is keen to discuss a loan deal with Chelsea for Zhirkov.

Naples sources say De Laurentiis is convinced Zhirkov would welcome the move as he would be guaranteed first team football under coach Walter Mazzarri.

Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich would also be open to the deal, as it would allow Zhirkov to reach full fitness after a stuttering start to his career at Stamford Bridge.