Chelsea are considering a summer move for Real Madrid defender Eder Militao, according to reports in Spain.
The Brazilian centre-back has played a key role for Madrid this season, making 30 appearances in all competitions for the La Liga leaders.
Spanish outlet AS claim Thomas Tuchel has been impressed by Militao’s performances and has requested that Chelsea to make an approach for the 24-year-old.
Chelsea could be in need of defensive reinforcements soon, with Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen all out of contract at the end of the season.
Rudiger has stalled on signing a new deal at Stamford Bridge and has held pre-contract talks with four foreign clubs: Real Madrid, Paris-Saint Germain, Bayern Munich and Juventus.
Christensen is also yet to commit his future to Chelsea, while Azpilicueta has been strongly linked with a summer move to Barcelona.
Chelsea are hopeful they can convince the trio to stay but are preparing contingency plans, should one or more of them leave the club.
AS claim Tuchel is a fan of Militao and has asked Chelsea to make an approach for the defender at the end of the season.
Chelsea were previously linked with Militao before his €50m (£41m) move from Porto to Real Madrid in 2019.
However, the Premier League club could find it difficult to sign the Brazil international, who is said to be happy with his life in Spain and is under contract with Madrid until 2025.
Militao is believed to be on a relatively low salary at the Bernabeu and could easily negotiate an improved contract with Madrid if the club is determined to keep him.
Another potential option for Chelsea is Sevilla defender Jules Kounde, who came close to joining the Blues last summer.
Chelsea were in talks to sign Kounde but were unable to agree a fee with Sevilla, who reportedly wanted the Premier League club to pay a £68.5m release clause in the Frenchman's contract.
Topics: Chelsea, Thomas Tuchel, Real Madrid, Premier League, La Liga, Football, Transfers, Brazil
Rory O'Callaghan