Parma hopeful of signing the Chelsea striker Fabio Borini

• Parma hope to sign 19-year-old before end of January
• 'We are optimistic that this transfer will be completed'

Parma are hopeful they will be able to sign the former Bologna striker Fabio Borini from Chelsea.

The Parma president, Tommaso Ghirardi, has not given up hope of signing the Chelsea striker Fabio Borini. The Serie A club are looking to strengthen their attacking line by acquiring the 19-year-old Italian before the transfer window closes.

Ghirardi said on the club's official website: "We have started talks with the player. But for the time being Borini is a Chelsea player. We are nevertheless optimistic that this transfer will be completed."

Borini, who has not made a first-team appearance for Chelsea this season, has yet to sign a contract extension with the Blues with his current deal ending this summer.

The Italy Under-21 player joined Chelsea from Bologna in 2007 and has been sidelined since early December after having shoulder surgery.