Chelsea have locked horns with Manchester United for the signing of Bayer Leverkusen right-back Jeremie Frimpong, according to reports. The Blues are said to be in the market for an understudy to Reece James following the defender's injury earlier this month.
The 22-year-old suffered a knee injury in the west Londoners' 2-0 win over AC Milan and is set to be out for eight weeks. Graham Potter is now without one of his key players in the final fixtures leading up to the World Cup.
After failing to sign a deputising right-back in the summer, Todd Boehly has been left to rue the decision with just Cesar Azpilicueta, Ruben Loftus-Cheek and Raheem Sterling as Chelsea's only viable senior options who can provide varying elements of cover. So, keen to sign a backup to James, reports suggest that the Blues could hijack United's plan to sign Frimpong.
READ MORE: Every confirmed team Chelsea can face in Champions League Round of 16
According to FootballTransfers, the Red Devils could accelerate a move for the former Man City defender to fend off interest from Chelsea. However, Potter could have a huge advantage over Erik ten Hag, with Frimpong having previously admitted to growing up as a Blues fan.
Speaking to SportBILD, the Netherland Under-21 international was asked to name the club he supported. The 21-year-old, who is valued at £30million by CIES Football Observatory, replied: "I was actually always Chelsea FC. As a kid, I used to watch Chelsea games with my uncle, mostly because of Didier Drogba."
Frimpong's fellow countryman Denzel Dumfries has also been heavily linked with a move to Chelsea. During negotiations for Romelu Lukaku's return to Inter Milan in the summer, the Blues asked the Italian giants to include the right-back as part of a permanent player-plus-cash swap deal, according to Gazzetta dello Sport.
But a move failed to materialise, and Lukaku just returned to the San Siro on a season-long loan instead. Chelsea are clearly broadening their search for a new right-back this winter, having learned their lesson in the summer.
READ NEXT:
Todd Boehly act creates priceless Joao Felix Chelsea transfer alternative for Graham Potter
Chelsea appoint Joe Shields as Todd Boehly's new co-director of recruitment and talent
The 20 Chelsea seconds that showcased Graham Potter tactical plan and vindicated Salzburg risk
Two youngsters primed to be in Chelsea's Champions League squad versus Dinamo Zagreb
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
