Chelsea are not in advanced talks to sign Enzo Fernandez from Benfica, although there is still some interest in a deal, Fabrizio Romano has revealed.

What's the word?

The Argentina midfielder, who played a starring role at the World Cup, looked set for a move to Stamford Bridge at the start of the window, but Chelsea could not agree a fee and the deal collapsed.

However, talks continued during the window, but the most recent discussions took place almost two weeks ago according to Romano, and Benfica are adamant that they will only sell the player if his €120m (£105m) release clause is met.

Speaking on Tuesday's Here We Go Podcast, Romano claimed that despite fresh rumours of a deal, there are no advanced talks between the two clubs.

He said: "I'm told that there are no advanced talks now for Enzo again between Chelsea and Benfica. What happened is that one week ago, it was Monday last week, so almost 10 days ago, Chelsea had the conversation again with people close to the deal, asking for the possibility of trying again for Enzo Fernandez - the answer was from Benfica, very clear: Benfica president Rui Costa wants €120m or nothing.

"So Chelsea know that if they want to go for Enzo, they have to offer that money - not €85m [with] players included or these kinds of things."

A midfielder would break the bank

Chelsea clearly have their sights set on a midfielder in this window, with Moises Caicedo also targeted, but with both players set to cost over £100m, it may be a step too far for Chelsea despite their heavy spending so far.

They may need a central midfielder in the long run amid the uncertain futures of N'Golo Kante and Jorginho, and it may be worth waiting until the summer for prices to come down for either of their current targets.

Given the unwillingness of Brighton and Benfica to sell crucial players during the season, if Chelsea are desperate for a midfielder now, they will need to pay over the odds.