Chelsea close in on £10m Croatian midfielder

It is being reported today that Chelsea are making enquiries about signing the Croatian star Darijo Srna, who is currently playing in the Ukraine with Shakhtar Donetsk.

The 27 year-old captained Shakhtar to their UEFA Cup triumph last season, and is extremely versatile. He usually plays at right back for his club, but he is employed as a midfielder/right-winger for Croatia, with whom he has already gained 71 caps.

The Standard reports that Chelsea have already approached Shakhtar, and they are willing to let him go if any big club meets their valuation.

Srna himself said yesterday: “The truth is I have two definite offers from top clubs in Europe, but I cannot name them. That would not be right.”

With Jose Bosingwa laid low for at least three months, Carlo Ancelotti is on the lookout for another top-class attacking right-back, and Srna is counted as one of the best in the world.

He also takes lethal free-kicks and penalties, so would give Chelsea extra options all over the field.