The Blues aim to land the towering striker to fill in for in-form marksman Didier Drogba, who will play with Ivory Coast in next month's African Cup of Nations, the English paper added.

Chelsea have also entered the hectic winter schedule without Drogba's strike partner Nicolas Anelka due to injury.

Toni, who joined Bayern in the summer of 2007, is deemed surplus to requirements at the German giants.

He was handed a €25,000 fine last month for criticizing Bayern coach Louis van Gaal as his relationship with the Dutchman reached a dead end.

Bayern new president Uli Hoeness said recently the club were ready to sell Toni for free.

The 32-year-old, who also wants to leave Bayern to keep alive his chances of playing with Italy at next year's World Cup, is being linked with a host of clubs including Italy's AS Roma.