Chelsea are eyeing a move for Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Axel Witsel as John Obi Mikel looks set for a move away from Stamford Bridge, According to Goal.
Clubs in Turkey and the Middle East are targeting Mikel after he was told he can leave the club this summer.
And Mourinho has identified Witsel as a strong replacement for the 28-year-old, as the Blues boss looks to strengthen his midfield.
Witsel, 26, is eager to leave Zenit this summer, with Serie A champions Juventus also interested in the midfielder, however Chelsea believe he would favour a move to West London.
Chelsea’s chances of signing the Belgian international will be boosted by the fact that he and Mourinho are both represented by the same agent, Jorge Mendes.
Witsel made the £29m move to Zenit from Benfica in 2012, but is looking for a new challenge next season after winning the Russian Premier League under former Chelsea boss, Andre Villas-Boas, last season.
The 26-year-old made 25 appearences for Zenit in all competitons last season, scoring three goals from central midfield.
