Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule has reportedly seen contract talks with the Bundesliga champions put on hold amid links with Chelsea.
The 26-year-old penned a five-year deal with the Bavarian giants upon his arrival from Hoffenheim in 2017, and he has now entered the final 12 months of that contract.
With Chelsea failing to fork out Sevilla's asking price for Jules Kounde this summer, the Blues have been tipped to swoop for Sule as a cheaper alternative.
Thomas Tuchel's side may now have been handed a boost in their pursuit of the Germany international, as Bild journalist Christian Falk claims that talks over a new deal at Bayern for Sule are currently on hold.
However, Falk adds that talks will become more "concrete" during the next transfer window, with Sule remaining a key player under new manager Julian Nagelsmann.
The centre-back has played the full 90 minutes in four of Bayern's five Bundesliga games so far this season and has made 141 appearances for the club in total, winning four Bundesliga titles and one Champions League.
Chelsea are also said to have been dealt a blow in their pursuit of Milan Skriniar, who is supposedly set to sign a new four-year deal with Inter Milan.
Ben Knapton
