Transfer news: Chelsea close in on Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin

Colombian star could be on his way to Stamford Bridge this January

Fredy Guarin (Getty Images)

Chelsea are reportedly hopeful of securing the signature of Inter Milan's Fredy Guarin in January as they look to maintain their title challenge.

Jose Mourinho hopes to bring in the Colombian international for around £15m as he looks to add some much needed midfield reinforcements at Stamford Bridge.

It is thought that an original bid of around £12m was rejected by the Italian club but Chelsea are now returning with an improved offer in order to beat other Premier League clubs to the 27-year-old's signature.

Guarin, who has 47 caps for Colombia, can play in the middle or right hand side of midfield and has been at Inter since his 2012 move from Porto.

His signature would help take the strain off current central players, Frank Lampard and Ramires who have been used more than originally planned following Marco van Ginkel's cruciate knee ligament injury.

However it is not thought that Guarin is set to be one of many new Chelsea signings this January, with the London club expected to have a fairly quiet transfer window.