Chelsea are now making a strong push to sign an "exciting" colossus in a last-gasp move, and they are hoping to wrap up a deal quickly.
Blues pushing to sign defender after Jacquet update
It has now been revealed that Liverpool are set to win the race for Rennes star Jeremy Jacquet, with a deal for the highly-rated young centre-back set to go through at the end of the season.
The Blues had been confident about securing Jacquet's services, so the latest news will no doubt be disappointing, but there are some alternative options on the shortlist, with Real Betis star Natan among the potential targets.
On Sunday, it was also revealed the west Londoners had made a £26m bid for Nantes defender Tylel Tati, which was knocked back by the Ligue 1 side, but there has now been a new update on their pursuit of the centre-back.
According to a report from L'Equipe (via Sport Witness), Chelsea have started pushing hard to secure Tati's signature in the past few hours, and they are hoping to get a deal over the line quickly.
FC Nantes' Tylel Tati in action with RC Lens' Wesley Said
Having missed out on Jacquet, BlueCo are now ramping up their efforts to sign the Nantes star, but time is of the essence, with the transfer window set to close at 7pm, and they will have to convince him to go out on loan to sister club Strasbourg,
The 18-year-old doesn't want to be rushed into making a big decision about his future, however, which is a problem for Liam Rosenior's side.
Tati could be "exciting" long-term signing for Chelsea
The teenager has been described as an "exciting" player by scout Jacek Kulig, while he has also earned high praise from journalist Bence Bocsak, who said: "In possession, he has a lot of composure. He deals well under pressure, really clean technique. He’s predominantly left footed but he isn’t afraid to use his right foot which gives him way more angles.
"Because of how mature he is as a defender it’s hard to believe he’s still so young. Looks like an absolute gem."
Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior celebrates after the match Related
[Chelsea preparing £69m bid for "magic" Atletico star, Rosenior personally keen](https://www.footballfancast.com/chelsea-preparing-transfer-bid-pablo-barrios-atletico-liam-rosenior/ "Chelsea preparing £69m bid for "magic" Atletico star, Rosenior personally keen")
The Blues are willing to shell out a huge fee.
The 6 foot 3 colossus has 18 appearances to his name in Ligue 1 this season, having established himself as a key player, and he has averaged 4.2 clearances per game, the third-highest number of any Nantes player to feature in more than one game.
With Jacquet set to sign for Liverpool, Tati could be an exciting alternative option, but it remains to be seen whether a deal will be possible, as time is running out.