Blues step up defender chase

Chelsea are stepping up their bid to sign Marseille's Cesar Azpilicueta but will have pay more than £8million to land him.

The Spanish international is Roberto Di Matteo's number one target as he looks to replace Jose Bosingwa at right-back and he is already thought to have failed with one bid last week. The French club have financial problems but they will not let the defender leave on the cheap and Chelsea will have to raise their bid if they are to have any chance of striker a deal. Marseille have confirmed Chelsea have made their move with club president Vincent Labrune revealing: "Chelsea have made a serious approach for Cesar." Di Matteo has said he is comfortable with Paulo Ferriera and Sam Hutchinson for now but he wants another class right-back and is expected to increase his bid for Azpilicueta.