Chelsea have reportedly decided to maintain their pursuit of Napoli defender Elseid Hysaj.

The full-back has been frequently linked with a switch to the Premier League, and Chelsea have been suggested as the Albania international's most likely destination due to having previously worked with Maurizio Sarri.

According to the London Evening Standard, the Blues want to secure the signing of the 24-year-old before the end of the January window.

The report claims, however, that Napoli president Aurelio De Laurentiis could make it difficult for a deal to be agreed due to Sarri leaving the Serie A giants for Stamford Bridge during the summer.

Hysaj is allegedly against extending his contract at the Naples-based team past 2021, but the player could still cost in the region of £45m.