According to Sky Italia, Chelsea have approached Roma over a move for full-back Emerson Palmieri in the January transfer window.

What's the story?

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is desperate to improve his squad this month as the Blues look to continue fighting on four fronts in the final months of the campaign.

It is well known that Conte is not in charge of identifying potential signings, but the Italian would certainly welcome adding quality to his squad during the winter window.

According to Sky Italia, Chelsea have approached Roma over a move for Palmieri, and it is understood that the Italian club are prepared to sell for a figure in the region of £20m.

The report adds that Palmieri is keen to work with Conte at Stamford Bridge, and the player will push for a move before the January window closes for business.

What are Palmieri's credentials?

The 23-year-old has previously represented Brazil - the country of his birth - at Under-17 level, but he is now an Italian citizen.

The full-back, who is valued at £12.6m by transfermarkt.co.uk, joined Roma from Santos in 2015, and made 36 appearances in all competitions for his Italian club during the 2016-17 campaign.

Palmieri has only made one Serie A appearance for Roma this season, however, after struggling to break into the first team since recovering from a long-term knee problem.

The defender has failed to come off the bench in seven of Roma's last eight league matches, and it is understood that he is now ready to move on after becoming frustrated with a lack of action.

The signing is not one that would immediately excite the Chelsea supporters, but Palmieri would provide good competition for Marcos Alonso at wing-back, and the Blues are in need of numbers as they prepare for a busy next few months.

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