Chelsea are monitoring Ousmane Dembele, with the Barcelona star set to become a free agent at the end of the season.
Thomas Tuchel is a long-time admirer of the forward after working with him at Borussia Dortmund, but his priority is still to sign a left wing-back this month.
Last week Tuchel revealed his regret at having to part company with Dembele after just a year together in Germany - and Chelsea are one of a host of Europe’s top clubs who have been made aware of the 24-year-old’s situation following a public fallout with Barca over his refusal to sign a new deal.
The Catalan giants have now told him he must leave this month, but any departure is only likely to be a loan until the end of the season.
Tuchel is determined to bring in a left wing-back before the January transfer window closes, with Chelsea already well-stocked with wide forwards.
The European champions have spent the month trying to recall Emerson Palmieri from his season-long loan spell at Lyon, but have so far been rebuffed in their attempts.
Kenedy, who has just been recalled from a loan at Flamengo, is seen as an option if no alternatives can be secured, but Tuchel wants to bring in a specialist wing-back.
The German had targeted cover for the injured Reece James as well as Ben Chilwell, but wants at least one player during this window.
Chelsea have completed the signing of Derby starlet Dylan Williams, but the 18-year-old is not expected to be thrust into Tuchel’s first-team squad.
