Chelsea are confident of beating several of their Premier League rivals to the signing of Saido Berahino if West Bromwich Albion decide to sell him in January, sources have told ESPN FC.
Chelsea are the latest club to express an interest in Berahino with sources having already told ESPN FC that Chelsea are looking for striking reinforcements in January.
A host of names have been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge when the transfer window reopens in January, but the likes of Paris Saint Germain's Edinson Cavani, Atletico Madrid's Antoine Griezmann and Valencia forward Paco Alcacer all unlikely to be available in the new year.
Chelsea believe they stand a better chance of landing the England under-21 international with his future at West Brom still uncertain.
Berahino is entering the final 18 months of his contract at the Hawthorns and talks over a new deal have stalled alerting the player's suitors.
The 22-year-old has also lost his place in the West Brom starting XI in the wake of his much-publicised fallout following his failure to win a move to Tottenham in the summer transfer window.
Tottenham are expected to rekindle their interest in Berahino in January as Mauricio Pochettino looks to add to his attacking options, while Manchester United are the latest side to be credited with an interest in the striker.
However, Chelsea believe they can win the race for Berahino as they are expected to try and end Radamel Falcao's loan stay in January to free up space in the squad.
Berahino is an attractive proposition for Chelsea as he is at the right age to develop as a player and he would also boost the club's home-grown player quota.
West Brom are reluctant to lose Berahino, but knowing that the forward's value will go down if the player continues to run down his contract, they could be forced to cash-in on him in January.