Chelsea are ready to push on with a transfer for Everton fullback Seamus Coleman in a bid to beat Manchester United to the Irishman's services.
Coleman's performances over the past few of seasons for Everton have caught the eye of the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea and Arsenal, with reports suggesting a bid was imminent.
However, despite several reports linking Coleman to those above mentioned clubs, a summer move did not materialise, with the right-back showing his commitment to Everton by signing a new contract in June.
That, though, has not stopped reports from linking Coleman with a January transfer window move, with Manchester United and Chelsea thought to be closely monitoring the player.
Manchester United were recently linked with a double swoop, also involving Ross Barkley, in the January transfer window, with Louis Van Gaal reportedly considering a £60 million bid for the duo.
However, Chelsea are ready to scupper any move for Coleman from Manchester United by making their own mega bid in the region of around £25 million, according to the Daily Express.
While Jose Mourinho has a couple of really solid options at right-back in Branislav Ivanovic and Cesar Azpilicueta, who has made the left-back position his own at Chelsea, the Portuguese might consider bringing in another quality right-back in order to allow Ivanovic to go back to his preferred position at centre-back.
Chelsea are currently flying in the Premier League at the moment, unbeaten in 12 games, and certainly don't look like they need any strengthening in any particular position.
But, Mourinho might take stock of the situation at the end of the season in view to a summer move for Coleman.
However, Chelsea, if they are serious about bringing in Coleman, might not be allowed to wait that long, with Manchester United reportedly keen on a January move.
Van Gaal has seen his defence crippled by injuries this season, and with only Rafael available as the true established right-back, the manager might consider making a bid for Coleman in the January transfer window to bring in some quality to that position and also to see of potential interest next summer.
However, convincing Everton to sell one of their main men will not be easy, though, especially midway through the season. Robert Martinez has, time and again, stressed on the importance of keeping his big players, as the Toffees look to finish in the top four of the Premier League.
