CHELSEA are “confident” of striking a deal to sign Cherries striker Callum Wilson, according to The Express.

The publication claims the Blues are in a “strong position” to bring to Stamford Bridge the England international in January.

Wilson came off the bench after 58 minutes to replace Jordon Ibe during Cherries’ 2-0 reverse at Wolves on Saturday.

He returned to the squad having missed the Dorset club’s 4-0 defeat to Liverpool.

The Express claim “Maurizio Sarri is eager to secure an alternative to battering ram Olivier Giroud and the misfiring Alvaro Morata”.

And the report adds the Blues “are happy to hand over £30million” as a fee for the Cherries striker, who has nine goals and six assists from 18 games for the Dorset club this season.

But Cherries boss Eddie Howe remained determined to keep hold of his star man.

He said: “Callum is focusing on his football and we are not anticipating losing any players in January we don’t want to.

"He seems very happy, he has a spring in his step, he is buzzing around the training ground and there is a very good feel about him."

Wilson joined Cherries from Coventry for £3million in 2014.

The 26-year-old made a dream debut for England last month when he scored against the United States at Wembley.