Barcelona and Manchester United are attempting to take over Chelsea's deal to sign Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile. The 21-year-old has emerged as a January target for Graham Potter's men ahead of a busy window.
With an ageing defence - Thiago Silva, 38, Kalidou Koulibaly, 31, and Cesar Azpilicueta, 33 - plus uncertainty over contracts and futures beyond this season - there is a real possibility two of that trio leave, at least - the Blues are back in the market for defenders.
They spent over £150million on new players across the backline in the summer for Wesley Fofana, Marc Cucurella and Koulibaly but none of them have settled fully into the team for various reasons. As Todd Boehly looks to build a team of young and hungry players, the attention has turned to Badiashile.
