Chelsea are readying an offer to sign Bayern Munich defender David Alaba next summer and the Blues are believed to be confident that they can force their way to the front of the queue for his signature.
Alaba has just six months left on his contract and talks over a new deal at the Allianz Arena have failed to yield any positive results, and now the Bayern defender is expected to walk away from the club at the end of the season.
Alaba's agent, Pini Zahavi, recently confirmed that he plans to open talks with Chelsea over a free transfer in January, and AS add that the Blues are confident that they will be able to make the most enticing offer to the Austrian.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard is understood to be the driving force behind the team's interest in Alaba. He sees the 28-year-old as an elite option at centre back, left back and even in midfield and has made it clear to the club's hierarchy that players of his calibre don't often hit the market.
Director Marina Granovskaia will lodge an 'important' offer for Alaba, with the Blues 'not bluffing' with their interest in the defender.
Any move for Alaba is likely to hinge on whether Chelsea can offload current left-backs Marcos Alonso and Emerson, but the Blues are expected to try and part ways with the pair even if Alaba is off the table.
Shaking up the left-back ranks appears high on Lampard's agenda as the Daily Telegraph add that RB Leipzig youngster Matthew Bondswell is also on the Blues' radar.
The former Nottingham Forest youngster, who is being tracked by West Ham and Sporting CP as well, has impressed while out on loan at Dutch side Dordrecht and is now being earmarked for a possible return to England in January.
Bondswell would be more of a long-term project, whereas Lampard wants Alaba to come in and make an immediate impact on his squad as they seek to establish themselves as Premier League title contenders.
Lampard also hopes to extend the contract of veteran Brazilian Thiago Silva, who has impressed in his debut season at Stamford Bridge.
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Source : 90min