Goal : Chelsea are preparing to trigger the release clause in Marouane Fellaini’s Everton contract, Goal.com understands.
The European champions are aware of Fellaini’s buy-out clause, which is believed to be more than €30 million, and are ready to make a move to sign the player this month.
Goal.com revealed in September that the versatile midfielder was regarded by Chelsea as a long-term replacement for Frank Lampard, who will leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires in the summer.
Chelsea have been encouraged by the news that there is a fee which could trigger a deal, although sources have said that it is higher than the €26.9m reported earlier this week.