CHELSEA boss Frank Lampard has reportedly started following transfer target Dries Mertens on Instagram.

The Blues have been heavily linked with the Napoli ace who is out of contract at the Italian club in the summer.

Lampard attempted to make his move in the January transfer window but the club weren’t willing to let him leave midway through the campaign.

According to Italian publication II Mattino, Lampard has already been laying the groundwork to fend off rivals and secure Mertens’ free transfer.

The coronavirus pandemic is set to have a huge impact on the summer’s window, so Mertens’ availability for nothing makes him even more desirable.

Reports claim he has made direct contact with the 33-year-old and his representatives to assess whether a move to London would interest him.

And his transfer interest has been further fuelled after Lampard started following the player on Instagram.

Chelsea are believed to be targeting a striker, centre-back and left-back.

Mertens created history earlier this year when he drew level with Marek Hamsik as Napoli’s joint all-time leading goalscorer on 121 after netting against Barcelona on February 25.

The 5ft 7in attacker enjoyed his best goalscoring season under former Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri three years ago, when he bagged 28 in 34 Serie A appearances.

SOURCE:- allfootballapp