Chelsea are prepared to enter the race for RB Leipzig centre-back Dayot Upamecano, reports The Mail on Sunday.
Upamecano is one of the most sought after defenders in Europe, but he penned a new deal with the Bundesliga side last year.
However, that deal contains a low release clause of around £40m, which has seen interest in the France international increase significantly.
Bayern Munich were the rumoured frontrunners in the race to secure his services last summer, however, RB Leipzig convinced Upamecano to sign a new one-year deal at the club.
Real Madrid, Manchester United, Liverpool and Barcelona have all been credited with an interest in the 22-year-old, with Chelsea now believed to have entered the race for the youngster.
RB Leipzig are determined to keep Upamecano this month, despite the likelihood they could demand a higher fee for one of their prized assets.
Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma are Frank Lampard's first choice options at the back at Stamford Bridge, but with the former turning 36 back in September, the Blues boss is on the lookout for long-term options at the back.
