Chelsea have reportedly identified Villarreal defender Pau Torres as a potential replacement for Antonio Rudiger.
Over the weekend, head coach Thomas Tuchel confirmed that the Germany international would be departing Stamford Bridge on a free transfer at the end of the season.
With Andreas Christensen expected to depart for Barcelona and the future of Cesar Azpilicueta still up in the air, it has left the West Londoners needing to make decisions regarding potential alternatives.
While Sevilla defender Jules Kounde is seemingly likely to move to Chelsea, La Razon claims that Torres also features high on Tuchel's shortlist.
The 25-year-old has been one of European football's top defenders this campaign, playing an influential role in Villarreal overcoming Juventus and Bayern Munich to reach the Champions League semi-finals.
However, the Spain international has a €60m (£50.7m) release clause in his contract, and it is suggested that Chelsea are prepared to offer a fee close to that figure.
Unless Torres is prepared to sign a new contract at his boyhood club, the Yellow Submarine are likely to be open to a sale with the likes of Manchester City, Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur also said to be monitoring the situation.
Darren Plant
