Report: Chelsea has 'strong interest' in Manchester City's Aguero

On the hunt for a new striker, Chelsea has reportedly turned its attention to Manchester City poacher Sergio Aguero.

The west London side has "serious and strong" interest in acquiring the Argentinian international, sources told Sky Sports on Monday, even though City is reluctant to let him leave.

Manchester United's stealthy move for Romelu Lukaku forced Chelsea to look elsewhere to find a replacement for Diego Costa, who was notified via text message that he was no longer needed by the club.

The Brazilian-born hitman already excused himself from Chelsea's pre-season retreat, with any potential truce between the 28-year-old and manager Antonio Conte looking more and more unlikely.

Real Madrid's Alvaro Morata, whose transfer to United broke down, and Borussia Dortmund's Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang have emerged as Chelsea's latest options, but Aguero's availability is apparently being considered.

Not that negotiations for Aguero would be any easier.

City chairman Khaldoon Al Mubarak dismissed rumours that the club would sell Aguero as "ridiculous." Whispers of a move gained steam following Gabriel Jesus' impressive first few matches in sky blue.

"Having Sergio Aguero as part of the squad is an absolute must and has never been a doubt," Khaldoon told the club's website.

No other player in City history has scored more Premier League goals than Aguero's 169. He cemented his status as a terrace legend with a last-minute, title-clinching goal in 2012.