Chelsea are prepared to take their bid for Manchester City striker Danny Sturridge to a tribunal.
The People says Sturridge is rated one of the best up-and coming talents in the game.
Chelsea are prepared to go to a tribunal to sign him for a small sum - or agree an 'out of court' figure with City.
Chelsea have be en tracking Sturridge for years...and are now weeks from landing him.
The young striker has been used sparingly by City boss Mark Hughes this season but Roman Abramovich's club will give him the chance of regular first-team football, and the handsome salary he wants ... around £50,000 a week initially.
Amazingly Sturridge, just 19, has never completed 90 minutes of first-team action in senior football, yet is one of the most sought-after talents in the Premier League.
Sturridge is out of contract in the summer but City are still entitled to a fee because he is under 24.
Eastlands boss Hughes will be stunned by the news that Chelsea are poised to steal their teen sensation.
To rub salt in the wounds, he will have to hand over a slice of the transfer fee to Coventry City, where Sturridge started his career.