Chelsea negotiate £20million transfer as City rivals prepared to offload key forward

Chelsea are allegedly in discussion over a £20million swoop for West Ham United forward Andy Carroll as the side seems ready to consider bids for the player.

The West London giant had been strongly linked with an interest in snapping up the striker on loan, but it now seems he may join the Stamford Bridge outfit on a permanent deal.

As reported by the Telegraph, West Ham United were not interested in securing a loan move, but are ready to listen to bids of about £20million for the former Liverpool striker.

The Blues have struggled severely for goals lately and first-choice striker Alvaro Morata seems to be very low on confidence and match fitness considering his recent performances.

The Spain international forward is not used to the hectic Premier League schedule, having only been a team player at former side Real Madrid.

This seems to be affecting his game in his first year in the physically demanding English topflight, and the Blues could do with a decent backup option.

The big striker may not be the kind of striker Chelsea supporters would want to see at their club, but Carroll, 29, remains an experienced player with a good physical presence in front and a great left foot.