Chelsea are interested in adding Steaua Burcharest defender Vlad Chiriches to their squad for next season but must pay €15m for the Romanian's services according to the player's agent.

With captain John Terry out of contract in 2014, The Blues are likely to be seeking new additions to their back-four this summer as they seek to breach the gap between Manchester United and Manchester City.

Chiriches scored against Chelsea in the Europa League last month, as Steaua were knocked out after a 3-1 defeat at Stamford Bridge, but his performance has clearly done little to dampen the club's interest.

"They [Chelsea] are interested in him but other top European clubs are also following him, including those in Italy," Chiriches' agent Victor Becali said.

"It's not been said that he will definitely leave Steaua, partly because they continue to ask for €15million.

"I believe we can handle the figures of the deal but first they need to find an agreement with Steaua. Then we will be ready to talk with other clubs."

Despite Chelsea having yet to decide over a new manager to replace outgoing interim first team coach Rafa Benitez, the role of technical director Michael Emenalo means the club will continue with any transfer plans.

After defeat to Manchester City in the FA Cup semi-final at Wembley on Sunday, Chelsea remain in contention in just one competition, with the Europa League representing their only chance of silverware this season.

Having been leapfrogged by Arsenal at the weekend, the club also face a battle to prevent playing in Europe's second tier competition in successive years .

Currently level on points with fifth place Tottenham Hotspur, the two London rivals square off before the end of the season in a fixture likely to be pivotal in the race for the top four.

Since defeat to Tottenham at the start of March, Arsenal have won their last four games culminating in the 3-1 win over Norwich City which gives them a one point cushion as the season reaches the business end.

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