Chelsea are reportedly set to return with an offer for Bournemouth's Alex Scott if Enzo Fernandez departs before the end of the transfer window.
Scott has been the subject of transfer speculation throughout the summer and his representatives decided to call off talks over a contract extension last month.
Chelsea saw three incremental bids starting from £62million rising to £68m rejected by Bournemouth, with the Blues subsequently cooling their interest.
But the uncertain future of Fernandez means Chelsea may return for Scott, despite Bournemouth outlining a 'not-for-sale' stance on Scott and other key Cherries players.
The Independent's Miguel Delaney has revealed that the Blues hierarchy believe an offer in excess of £80m might be enough to prise Scott from the Vitality Stadium.
Chelsea's pursuit of Scott ultimately hinges on where Fernandez's future lies before next week's deadline.
Manchester City are odds-on favourites to secure the Argentine's signature with Enzo Maresca keen to reunite with the player at the Etihad Stadium.
Chelsea had set an informal deadline demanding any interested parties stump up £120m for Fernandez, but Man City failed to make contact before the date.
However, it's expected the Citizens will press ahead with a move for the 25-year-old, who was spotted leaving his team-mates and heading down the tunnel early at Craven Cottage following Chelsea's 3-2 win over Fulham on Monday.
If Fernandez's departure materialises then Chelsea will test Bournemouth's resolve over Scott.
The 23-year-old excelled under Andoni Iraola's supervision last term as the Cherries secured European football for the first time, and Scott's form was recognised by Thomas Tuchel, who selected the midfielder to train with the England squad ahead of the World Cup in Florida.
Scott is currently tied down to a contract until 2028, but despite the threat of losing the former Bristol City star for a reduced fee next summer, the Cherries hierarchy are eager to ensure Scott remains to provide Marco Rose with the squad to balance Premier League demands with European commitments.
