Di Matteo steps up defender bid

Chelsea have opened fresh talks with Marseille in an attempt to wrap up a deal for full-back Cesar Azpilicueta.

Despite claiming he is happy with Paulo Ferreira and Sam Hutchinson, Roberto Di Matteo is keen to sign another top class right-back and Azpilicueta is the player he wants on board. Chelsea have so far been unable to agree a fee with the French side but negotiations are reported to have re-opened in the hope a deal can be pushed through before the trip to Wigan this weekend. Di Matteo does have other options including Juventus' Switzerland right-back Stephan Lichtsteiner, but Spanish international Azpilicueta remains his top target. A fee of £6million should be enough to secure a deal, although the fact Marseille are holding out for £8million is said to be holding up the proposed switch.