Chelsea reportedly want a £40million transfer swoop for West Ham star Issa Diop to solve their defensive dilemma.
According to The Star, Frank Lampard has been scouting Diop for some time.
And the Blues are now ready to move for the centre-back after having their transfer ban overturned.
Diop, capped six times by France’s U21s, joined West Ham from Toulouse for £22million 18 months ago.
Now at Spurs, Jose Mourinho, who famously labelled Diop a “monster”, is also said to be keen on signing the 23-year-old as doubts remain over Jan Vertonghen’s future.
But Chelsea are apparently in pole position for the 6ft 3in cruncher.
Chelsea have conceded an astonishing 29 goals in the league so far this season.
It would also be unfair to burden youngster Fikayo Tomori with so much pressure in his maiden first-team season.
And it appears Andreas Christensen would be the man to make way for a new arrival.
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However, Ake remains out injured with a hamstring injury, which could force the Blues to wait until the final week of the winter transfer window before making a move.
This article was most recently revised and updated 5 years ago
