AC Milan have looked to steal a march on fellow Italian giants Juventus in the transfer chase of Chelsea's Alvaro Morata by holding early talks with the Spaniard, according to the Daily Mail. 

Competition for the striker's signature may push the price up and that is vital for the Blues if they are to afford a swoop for Robert Lewandowski, the Bayern Munich striker who has reportedly been installed as the club's top summer target.

What's the story, then?

The report claims that Milan have looked to get ahead in the race for Morata by staging talks with him over a return to Italy before his former club Juventus have had the chance.

It also says that Milan's talks were partially undertaken to gain an idea of the figures Chelsea would demand for Morata and in light of their interest in Lewandowski, it is likely that they would want as much as possible in return for the man who is currently their most high-profile striker.

Chelsea need big money for Morata

Lewandowski is an outside bet to arrive because Chelsea are not in the Champions League, but if they are to sign him, the deal is sure to be expensive.

That means that Chelsea must eke out as much as they can for Morata, who would surely be shown the exit door if the Pole did come in to join January signing Olivier Giroud, Michy Batshuayi and Tammy Abraham in attack.

We're asking you whether selling the Spaniard is a good idea; let us know by voting in the poll and keep an eye out for the results...

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