Chelsea are planning a fresh move for Enzo Fernández after previously failing to agree a deal for the Benfica midfielder. His contract contains a £106m release clause and Benfica remain reluctant to sell the Argentina international for a lower fee. Chelsea tried to pay less during negotiations at the start of the window and ended up switching focus to other targets.

Graham Potter wants midfield reinforcements and Chelsea, who are spending heavily under their latest ownership, had a £55m bid for Brighton’s Moisés Caicedo rejected last week. An improved offer for the Ecuador international remains a possibility, with Brighton scouring the market for potential replacements for the 21-year-old.

However, Fernández, who played a key role in Argentina winning the World Cup last month, remains an option for Chelsea. Sources have indicated talks are due to resume this week. Benfica, who are in the last 16 of the Champions League, want to keep Fernández,who has repeatedly told them that he wants to join Chelsea, until the end of the season.

Chelsea have other midfielders in their sights, including Brighton’s Alexis Mac Allister. They have spent about £460m on 15 players since being bought by Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital,.