Chelsea's defender search is well underway.
With Ben Chilwell's absence, it's been no secret that the wing-back position has been the Blues' priority in this transfer window. They've targeted players in that area, but are yet to reach an agreement with any clubs over a potential deal.
What's been less of a priority, but something that is certainly in the back of Thomas Tuchel's mind, is their need for new centre-backs.
Whether they pursue a deal before the end of January or in the summer window remains to be seen, but the Blues will need to strengthen the position over the course of the next two windows.
With Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Cesar Azpilicueta all yet to sign new deals at the club, Chelsea will turn their attention to centre-back at some point.
Sevilla's Jules Kounde continues to be linked, but Bayern Munich's Niklas Sule has also emerged as a likely target.
With that in mind, football.london takes a look at all the latest news linking Sule with a move to west London.
'Agreement' close
According to Sport1, Sule is in advanced talks with one unnamed club and an agreement could be reached soon.
The report adds that that's one of the reasons he told Bayern that he will be leaving in the summer before the Bundesliga giants beat Hertha Berlin on Sunday (January 23).
Blues told why they must sign wantaway star
Sule's current boss, Julian Naglesmann, has already hinted at why he would be a superb signing for the Blues.
“I know he has unbelievable qualities and a lot of potential, which we try to bring out every day,” said current Bayern boss Nagelsmann, via the Chelsea Chronicle.
“He’s played at the very top level in Europe and is developing fantastically."
Sule's been around for a while now and having won a number of trophies at the top level, he would fit Chelsea's mould of signing a player who is ready-made.
Read the full story here.
Barcelona and Newcastle competition
As per Goal, Sule is flirting with a move to the Premier League and La Liga, with Barcelona, Chelsea and Newcastle all interested in his services.
He's free to enter negotiations with other clubs this month before completing a free transfer at the end of the season.
Offer refused
Bayern CEO Oliver Kahn confirmed at a press conference that Sule will not continue his career in Bavaria next season.
“He didn't accept our offer,” said Kahn. “We have a certain responsibility for the offers we make. It's normal that you don't always come together in this business.”
