Enzo Fernandez and Thiago Silva lay groundwork for Chelsea to complete Paulo Dybala transfer

Enzo Fernandez has already promised Paulo Dybala a barbecue if he joins Chelsea in the January transfer window with Thiago Silva also opening up on a potential deal

Enzo Fernandez has already given Chelsea a major boost to their hopes of signing Paulo Dybala this month. The 30-year-old forward has been heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge recently as Mauricio Pochettino looks to further bolster his attacking options in the January transfer window.

Dybala, who sees his contract at the Stadio Olimpico expire in 18 months, has featured 13 times for AS Roma in Serie A this season, scoring five goals and providing six assists. Despite suffering a few injuries, the Argentina international has led the Giallorossi to within four points of a Champions League qualification spot.

As the west Londoners plot an ambitious push for top-four themselves, Pochettino has reportedly identified Dybala as somebody who could provide his side with a cutting-edge in front of goal. According to TuttoMercatoWeb, Chelsea want to capitalise on his release clause which can be trigged by submitting a €12million (£10.3million) bid – a fee that is only valid for for foreign clubs.

However, it's said that the Argentine's release clause expires on January 15, meaning that the Blues only have a week or so to wrap up a deal. Fortunately for Pochettino, Fernandez has already spoken to Dybala about a potential move to Stamford Bridge.

When asked about speculation linking Dybala with Chelsea in the summer, the midfielder told Argentine publication Ole: "Yes, I saw something about that. We’ll see. I hope he comes. I talked to him and told him that I’m waiting for him to share a barbecue or something. I need someone to share the mates."

As it happens, Fernandez was not the only Chelsea player to get in contact with Dybala in the summer over a potential move. Speaking at the British Grand Prix at Silverstone, Thiago Silva said: "I saw Paulo Dybala here, they [the media] talk about him coming to Chelsea.

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"I’ve talked with him and asked him if he is coming. He is a world-class player. I would love to play with him and it would be a massive signing. Let’s see."

If Dybala was to join Chelsea then he would likely deputise Cole Palmer – whether he slots in as an attacking midfielder or on the right-wing. During the Blues' 4-0 win over Preston North End in the FA Cup at the weekend, the former Manchester City ace recorded his 15th goal involvement in 20 games.

When quizzed on Palmer's start to life in west London, Pochettino said: "Very impressed. I think he arrived the last day of the transfer window and his performance after six months, was incredible. We are so happy.

"Today a little bit disappointed with him because he didn't score a big chance he has. He is still young and still needs to improve in different areas, not only inside the pitch but outside. He needs to understand many things but I think he is improving a lot and he is a very good player for us and he is doing fantastic and I am so pleased."

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