Chelsea could be in a battle with AC Milan to sign Strasbourg defender Mohamed Simakan, after the Blues confirmed their interest in the Frenchman.
According to Le 10 Sport, Simakan is set to leave the Ligue Un club in January, with Nice also interested in the 20-year-old.
It will be a blow to Strasbourg - who have played Simakan in every match so far this season and lie just two points above the relegation zone - so they will be hoping to get at least £13.5million for his services.
Simakan could be seen as one for the future for Chelsea, with Kurt Zouma and 36-year-old free transfer Thiago Silva forming an impressive partnership at the back for the Blues.