Sources: Fulham approach London giants about deal to sign £50m man before Napoli

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• EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey

Trevoh Chalobah is almost certain to leave Chelsea this month with Premier League neighbours Fulham joining Napoli in making an approach for the seldom-seen central defender.

HITC Football understands that the former England under 21 international, having been informed that he is free to talk to suitors and leave Stamford Bridge during the January transfer window, is attracting interest from the club based only a few metres down the road, as well as from some more far-flung destinations.

Fulham, Chelsea’s West London neighbours, have made an approach. As have Napoli, the reigning Italian champions who have struggled badly since selling Kim Min-Jae to Bayern Munich last summer. Napoli missed out on their leading centre-back target – Radu Dragusin – to Tottenham.

Fulham plan Chelsea raid for Trevoh Chalobah

HITC has been informed that Fulham and Napoli are both hoping to land Trevoh Chalobah on loan with an option-to-buy clause in the 24-year-old’s contract. Chelsea, however, are holding out for an arrangement which would increase the possibility of the former West Brom loanee leaving Stamford Bridge permanently later down the line, maybe with an ‘obligation-to-buy’ clause rather than an an optional one.

Chalobah has not made a single appearance for The Blues since the appointment of Mauricio Pochettino.

We reported earlier in the month that Chalobah also has admirers at Bayern Munich. The Bundesliga champions may have removed themselves from the discussions, however, after bringing in Eric Dier from Tottenham Hotspur.

Bayern Munich sign Eric Dier instead

Fulham and Napoli are not Chalobah’s only remaining suitors, however, but they are the first to make a move this month. The 6ft 4ins colossus, who can also play in full-back and in midfield, reportedly missed out on a move away last summer after Chelsea slapped a £50 million price-tag on his head.

It is hard to imagine Fulham stumping up such a fee. Chelsea will likely need to reduce their demands considerably to make a permanent departure happen.

Armando Broja could also leave this month amid interest from Wolves. Fulham, meanwhile, are keen on additions at the other end of the pitch too, with AZ Alkmaar striker Vangelis Pavlidis an option.