Chelsea had a scout in attendance to see Athletico Paranaense midfielder Bruno Guimaraes play against Boca Juniors in the Copa Libertadores on Tuesday, according to reports in Brazil.

The 21-year-old had a good game as he provided an assist for Marco Ruben’s second goal in a 3-0 win for the Brazilian side.

Guimaraes is also being pursued by Shakhtar Donetsk, Inter Milan, Lille and Napoli but Chelsea are in pole position with the player’s agents having close connections with Giuliano Bertolucci, who has helped a number of Brazilian stars secure moves to England.

Since moving to Athletico Paranaense in 2017, the holding midfielder has racked up 68 appearances, scoring six goals. His club are unlikely to sell on the cheap with the player reportedly having a €40m (£34m) release clause.

The Blues may be considering Guimaraes as an understudy for Jorginho with the club having failed to replace Cesc Fabregas in January following his move to Monaco.

Of course, Chelsea’s appeal against a transfer ban will be the determining factor as to whether they are able to make a move for the Brazilian in the summer.