Transfer news: Chelsea target Fredy Guarin could be a makeweight in Inter Milan bid for Pablo Osvaldo

Chelsea may miss out on Inter's attacking star as Southampton deal comes to light after months of slow negotiations

Fredy Guarin (Getty Images)

Chelsea could be set to miss out on long-term target Fredy Guarin after Inter Milan offered the attacking player to Southampton as part of a deal for Pablo Osvaldo, according to reports.

Inter are in grave need of a striker as they look to repair their fractured Serie A campaign with the San Siro club lying in sixth place and in danger of missing out on European qualification.

Rumours linking Guarin with a switch to London have been rumbling since the summer but, with the Blues stalling, Southampton may profit from their Premier League rivals' indecision.

The Italians, according to the Mail, plan to offer Mauricio Pochettino's side a substantial transfer fee alongside the 27-year-old in a bid to lure Osvaldo back to Italy.

But the Saints boss said on Thursday: "There is a lot of smoke surrounding Osvaldo, but he is very happy here and has been training very well. He has a contract here and is expecting the birth of his son. He is expecting his son to grow up in England.

"We still have 22 days left in the transfer window, so we may change our minds, but at the moment we have no business planned."