Chelsea Transfer News: Lucas Biglia to Spark Manchester United Battle

Chelsea are set to rival Manchester United in their pursuit of Lazio midfielder Lucas Biglia.

That's according to Calciomercato, via Metro's Tom Olver, who notes the Argentinian was believed to be a summer target for the Red Devils, and now Blues boss "Jose Mourinho is interested in signing" the 29-year-old himself.

The Lazio captain featured heavily for Argentina as they made it to the Copa America final in the summer, and he has started this season in outstanding form, scoring a goal in each of the Eagles' last three games, prior to their match with Frosinone.

As WhoScored.com and Opta Paolo demonstrate, the defensive midfielder is a standout player in Serie A and showed his abilities last season:

Biglia also bagged four goals and three assists in all competitions—just two assists short of Willian's tally of four and five in 18 fewer appearances.

BeIN Sports' Matteo Bonetti is a fan of the Argentinian's:

Here is what Chelsea or United fans can expect from Biglia should they prise him away from Lazio:

The Blues have struggled immensely this season, as almost every single one of their players has significantly underperformed, and the club finds itself languishing in 16th place having won just twice and lost four in eight league matches.

Among those failing to make the grade are Cesc Fabregas and Nemanja Matic, but Mourinho has few other options in central midfield to replace them.

Ramires scored an outstanding effort in the 2-2 draw with Newcastle United but was hauled off at half-time in the 3-1 defeat to Southampton. The Portuguese manager threw on Matic in place of the Brazilian, but the Serb proved even worse, as he lasted just 27 minutes before being substituted himself.

Their struggles in midfield have also had an unfortunate side effect of leaving their defence woefully exposed.

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John Terry in particular has been the victim of this—the veteran showed that with sufficient protection in front of him, he could utilise his exceptional ability to read the game to its fullest effect. Without it, the 34-year-old's lack of pace is proving a dangerous liability.

Biglia could restore the protection Chelsea currently lack, and his impressive distribution would also help compensate for Fabregas' drop-off in form, too.

In the summer, per Football Italia, Biglia's agent told lalaziosiamonoi.it: "I will soon be in Italy for talks with president Claudio Lotito" regarding his future at Lazio, but as Olver notes, Biglia "rejected a new contract" in September.

That could mean Biglia is open to a move elsewhere, and despite their struggles, Chelsea offer a step up from Lazio that could prove tempting.

The midfielder may not represent a long-term signing, but he could prove a season-saving acquisition and a useful addition to the squad for two or three seasons to come.