Chelsea have reportedly added AC Milan's Alessio Romagnoli to the list of their defensive targets ahead of the summer transfer window.
Providing that a takeover goes through as planned, Chelsea potentially face the task of signing several defenders to replace the likes of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen, Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso.
While the Blues have long been linked with Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde, head coach Thomas Tuchel is expected to have his sights set on one more high-level player for his back three.
According to reports in Spain, the Premier League outfit are among the clubs who may put forward a proposal for Romagnoli over the coming weeks.
The 27-year-old, who has been restricted to 25 appearances this season due to injury, is out of contract in six weeks' time and appears unlikely to pen fresh terms at San Siro.
Barcelona, Sevilla, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are also said to be monitoring the situation, with more clubs likely to become involved if Milan remain at an impasse in negotiations with the Italy international.
Darren Plant
