Chelsea are one of three Premier League clubs who are keen on signing Brighton centre-back Jan Paul van Hecke, according to reports.
The Telegraph claim that the Blues are in a “race” with Tottenham and Liverpool for the Netherlands international.
Spurs are said to have made the first move by tabling an official bid for van Hecke, but the proposal was rejected by Brighton.
The Seagulls are reportedly holding out for around £70m, but that seems like a very unrealistic price tag considering the defender is closing in on the final year of his contract.
Alonso wants to sign a centre-half
It is believed that new manager, Xabi Alonso, sees strengthening the middle of defence as a key priority.
Most Read on Chelsea News
Van Hecke was, though, linked with a move to Stamford Bridge before his appointment, and it remains to be seen whether the Dutchman is still a top target.
The Blues have purchased several players from Brighton over the last few years, but it is fair to say that the club have usually been forced to pay over the odds.
It is not known whether they are prepared to do the same in order to beat Tottenham and Liverpool to van Hecke’s signature.
Chelsea have lost out on another defender
It was reported by The Athletic earlier this week that Alonso’s side did reach out to Liverpool’s Ibrahima Konate about the prospect of moving to the London club on a free transfer.
Last weekend, it was revealed that the France international would leave Anfield when his contract expires at the end of the month.
However, it now looks like Konate will be joining Real Madrid. President Florentino Perez is expected to announce his arrival at the Bernabeu over the next few days.
Read more about the Chelsea First Team Squad for 2025/26 here