Torino are reportedly in advanced talks with Chelsea over the permanent acquisition of Ola Aina in the January transfer window. Turin-based sports daily Tuttosport says the sporting director of Torino, Gianluca Petrachi is willing to exercise a clause in Aina’s contract that allows them to sign the defender for ten million euros.

Aina has been one of the most impressive of the Chelsea players farmed out on loan in the summer transfer window, along with Nigerian trio Kenneth Omeruo, Tammy Abraham and Fikayo Tomori. Based on the initial agreement between the Maroons and the Blues, he was due to return to Stamford Bridge at the end of the season if they pass up the opportunity to sign him.

When Ola Aina joined Torino last summer from Chelsea on loan, it was difficult to find a person following Serie A who would know him. However, the Nigerian offensive fullback has surprised many with his performances, despite it being his first experience outside the British Isles and could well earn a permanent place in Turin.

Aina took advantage of his chance at the beginning of his loan spell, when Lorenzo De Silvestri got injured in the Serie A opener against Roma and the Chelsea loanee took his place. Since then, Aina has started in 10 Serie A matches and featured in all matches but two (one due to injury) and has become one of the most important parts of Walter Mazzarri’s team, showing his quality and versatility on both flanks of the five-man midfield in the former Napoli man’s classical 3-5-2.

Torino would be hoping no other club interferes as Chelsea earlier suggested that they have several offers for the versatile fullback. Ola Aina has started 12 games for Torino in the Italian topflight and was introduced off the bench in four games.