Aleksandr Golovin, one of the stars of Russia's World Cup opening game, is being lined up by Chelsea, according to the Evening Standard. 

What's the story, then?

The Standard report that Chelsea are set to appoint Maurizio Sarri and Gianfranco Zola as their new management team and has swiftly set about naming their transfer targets after a summer of stagnation so far.

They claim that Sarri is a major admirer of Golovin and that means that the Russian midfielder will go right to the top of the Blues' shopping list.

However, Chelsea will reportedly face competition for the CSKA Moscow man, from Italian champions Juventus and former Blues boss Jose Mourinho's current club Manchester United.

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Golovin should snub Chelsea for United

Sarri and Zola's impending arrival may bring some stability to Stamford Bridge but the fact is that there is a lot going on behind the scenes; Antonio Conte has refused to leave, the players have again all but downed tools in defence of the title and there is no clarity over the style of play preferred.

Roman Abramovich is not allowed in the country, the new stadium plans have been shelved and the club finds itself in the Europa League.

On the other hand, Manchester United look reasonably settled under Mourinho and the departure of Michael Carrick may well be followed by Marouane Fellaini's exit, which would free up a slot for Golovin to fill.