Chelsea have made an enquiry for River Plate attacking midfielder Nicolas De La Cruz, according to TNT Sports. The Argentinian TV station reports that the Blues are one of “several European teams” who have registered an interest in the 22-year-old.

One of the other clubs is believed to be Manchester City who, it has been claimed, could be lining up a €30m (£25m) for the playmaker in the January transfer window.

De La Cruz played a prominent role as River Plate made the final of the Copa Libertadores. He scored three goals and made three assists in the tournament before the Argentine club lost to Flamengo last month.

The Uruguayan has also started the domestic season very well, with four goals and four assists in his first nine games. He can play on either flank or in the number 10 role, with most of his recent matches having been played as a left-winger.

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