Ghoulam is out of contract at the end of the season and is stalling on a new deal.

The Algeria international’s agent Jorge Mendes is demanding a £30m release clause but Napoli deem that below his value.

Chelsea were on the hunt for a left-back during the summer transfer window but failed to lure Alex Sandro from Juventus.

Ghoulam would represent a more realistic option for Antonio Conte.

According to the Sunday Express, Napoli would rather cash in when the transfer window reopens than lose him for nothing next summer.

But they will delay making a definitive decision in the hope he puts pen to paper on a new contract.

Ghoulam has established himself as one of Serie A’s top defenders since joining Napoli from Saint-Etienne in 2014.

The Express report that Chelsea face plenty of competition for his signature.

Liverpool have been closely following his progress and are ready to launch a move.

Manchester City are also keen as a result of Benjamin Mendy’s season-ending knee injury.

Atletico Madrid and Juventus have also expressed an interest in a January move.