Chelsea encouraged in race for Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba

Chelsea have some encouragement in their pursuit of Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba and Jose Mourinho is confident that he can conclude a deal for the French international before the end of the transfer window. The former Manchester United man is valued at around £70m ($118m) and will add some much needed finesse to the Blues' midfield.

The Independent has claimed that Chelsea's director Marina Granovskaia is currently in touch with Juventus over a prospective move for the Frenchman. The defending champions believe that the Turin club are more inclined towards letting the midfielder leave for a club in the Premier League than to Barcelona, who are likely to make a move once their transfer embargo is lifted in January.

Chelsea have started the season slowly, taking only four points from a possible nine in their first three games. A 3-0 loss to Manchester City in their second outing, following a 2-2 draw with Swansea City on the opening day forced Mourinho to invest in the market to resurrect Chelsea's fortunes.

The Blues hijacked Manchester United's deal with Barcelona for Pedro and gave him his first start in a Chelsea shirt against West Bromwich Albion at the Hawthorns, where he scored and assisted a goal each to mark a brilliant debut in the Premier League. Mourinho is also keen to complete a deal for Everton defender John Stones, who has been valued at £40m ($63m), as reported by the Mirror.

Roman Abramovich is reportedly ready to spend up to £100m ($157m) to bring the two players to Stamford Bridge, especially with John Terry failing to live up to expectations thus far this season. The Blues veteran was sent off in their game against West Brom and Mourinho will be desperate to get a deal done for Stones as soon as possible.

Meanwhile, Juan Cuadrado has agreed a loan deal to Juventus with an option to buy next season. Mourinho will be hoping to leverage the transfer to make a case for Pogba's move the other way before the end of the window.