Chelsea are reported to be interested in signing Santos defensive midfielder Thiago Maia In January, according to the Daily Mail.

The 19 year old Brazilian international was linked with a move to the London club in July before his participation in the Olympic Games – where he won a gold medal. Maia has represented Brazil at Under-17s, Under-20s and Under-23s levels.

Santos were reluctant to part company with their star player as their season doesn’t finish until December. Thiago Maia is contracted at the club until 2019 and the club do want to keep him.

Chelsea are prepared to pay £15m for the defensive midfielder.

A product of the Santos academy, Maia has been attracting the prying eyes of scouts from Europe, and despite his tender years, the midfielder has already notched up 44 appearances for the club.

Chelsea have been keeping a close watch on the midfielder’s progress, and are ready to make a concrete effort to bring him to England in January.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have been heavily linked with Martin Caceres, who is a free agent. The Blues are still looking to bolster their backline and the Uruguayan is reported to be their top target. The defender knows Chelsea boss Antonio Conte well as he played under the coach at Juventus. A deal is expected to be completed soon.

Chelsea have also made enquiries for Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule about a possible bid next summer. The Germany international made his debut for his country against Finland last Wednesday. Napoli and Liverpool are also set to be interested in the Hoffenheim player.