Chelsea have submitted a £25million bid for Ross Barkley, according to reports.
The Everton winger has not featured for Ronald Koeman's side so far this season as he tries to force a move away from Goodison Park.
Chelsea have been joined by Tottenham in the race for the England international's signature, while Arsenal have also been linked.
But the Telegraph report that Antonio Conte has stepped up his attempts to land Barkley by submitting an offer.
Everton had valued Barkley at around £50million at the start of the transfer window but are reportedly aware they might have to accept a much lower price in order to move him on.
Transfer news from Wednesday's Daily Mirror
Manchester City are ready to offer Arsenal Raheem Sterling plus cash for Alexis Sanchez after having a £50million straight cash bid rejected.
Chelsea fear Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain is getting cold feet on a move to Stamford Bridge. Despite agreeing a £40million deal with Arsenal on Monday, the champions have not got it over the line yet.
La Liga club Las Palmas could take Chelsea rebel Diego Costa on loan while the striker waits to re-join previous employers Atletico Madrid permanently when their transfer ban gets lifted in January.
Andros Townsend and Demarai Gray could swap clubs before the transfer window closes.
Liverpool have rejected a Crystal Palace offer of £25m, including £3m in add-ons, for defender Mamadou Sakho — the Londoners' third bid of the summer for the player.
Arsenal and England full-back Kieran Gibbs will complete a £7million move to West Brom in the next 24 hours.
Everton are considering a shock loan move for Watford striker Stefano Okaka.
Chelsea believe they are close to reuniting boss Antonio Conte with Fernando Llorente , who were together at Juventus in 2013-14.
Stoke are hoping to tie up a deal for Fabian Delph before the transfer deadline. The Potters are back in talks with Manchester City over a switch for the £10million-rated England international midfielder.
West Ham's bid to sign £40m-rated Sporting Lisbon midfielder William Carvalho could be scuppered by late interest from French champions Monaco.
Liverpool striker Divock Origi is wanted by Newcastle – who could sell Dwight Gayle for £18million.
Birmingham have won the £2million chase for Brentford defender Harlee Dean, who snubbed their fellow Championship sides Sheffield Wednesday and Leeds in favour of Blues.
Striker Jordan Rhodes has had a £10million price-tag slapped on him by Sheffield Wednesday. The Owls' Championship rivals Sunderland and Wolves will battle it out for the Scotland international.
Transfer news and gossip from other sites and papers
Tottenham are sweating on a deal to land Serge Aurier as a previous police conviction in France could prevent a work permit being granted. (Guardian)
West Brom are in pole position to land Grzegorz Krychowiak from Paris Saint-Germain. (Sun)
Liverpool are still hopeful of bringing in Thomas Lemar and Virgil van Dijk before Thursday's deadline. (Liverpool Echo)
Fulham are set to land Dwight Gayle from Newcastle. (Express)