Chelsea have stolen a march on AC Milan in the race for Denis Suarez’s signature, according to Express.

The Barcelona midfield is into his second stint at Camp Nou but has struggled for playing time, making just two appearances all season.

Milan are keen on taking Suarez on loan in January with an option to buy in the summer.

However, Chelsea are willing make a permanent move for the 24-year-old during the winter transfer window itself and that has given them the edge over the Serie A outfit with the Blaugrana keen on a cash deal in January.