Premier League club Chelsea have entered the race for the highly-rated Serbian defender Nikola Maksimovic, who is also a target for West Ham and Napoli.

Napoli have long been linked with a move for Maksimovic, who even tried to force a move to Stadio San Paolo by refusing to train with his team over the last few days.

The 24-year-old Serbia international is believed to have flown back to his home country in protest thus enraging his head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic.

According to La Gazetta dello Sport, Torino have reprimanded their defender with coach Sinisa Mihajlovic questioning whether a decision to refuse to train was his own decision or if his agent had influenced him.

El Toro had a firm stance on refusing to sell their man to Serie A rivals Napoli, who have identified Maksimovic as the perfect replacement for Chelsea target Kalidou Koulibaly.

London-based club Chelsea are now believed to have turned their focus to the Serbian themselves as they consider Maksimovic to be a cheaper alternative to Senegal international.

The 24-year-old defender would likely be available for €25 million and Chelsea would have no problem matching the asking price Torino have determined for their key man.

Nikola Maksimovic has only extended his Toro contract in December 2015 and it runs to June 2020.

The Serbian played 16 Serie A matches last term after returning from a serious injury, but his impressive performances have alerted plenty of clubs who hold him in high regard.

Antonio Conte is believed to be a huge admirer of Maksimovic’s talents as the Italian tactician is looking to bolster his back line during the summer transfer window in order to compete for major honours this season.

Blues have opened the 2016-17 campaign with a 2-1 over West Ham and are given the odds of 6.00 (5/1) @Bet365 to cross the finish line as Premier League champions this year.