Chelsea have upped their offer for Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Leandro Paredes.

The Blues are going to £36m to convince Zenit to sell.

The Daily Star says Maurizio Sarri's side have turned to Zenit midfielder Paredes after being told by Cagliari that £45m starlet Nicolo Barella is off the market.

Paredes was next on Chelsea's wish list and the Argentina international, 24, has now agreed terms on a four-and-a-half year deal worth £80,000-a-week.

Chelsea have previously bid £26.8m and £31.2m for Paredes but a third offer is expected to get the deal over the line.