Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel has reportedly stepped up in his interest in Bayern Munich star Niklas Sule, as he attempts to bolster his defensive ranks in the summer transfer window.
Tuchel has enjoyed an impressive start to his reign as Blues boss, having won five of his six matches since replacing Frank Lampard.
But, despite a promising start and Chelsea still in the pursuit for Premier League, FA Cup and Champions League glory, the boss also has one eye on next season.
And according to reports in Germany, the boss has identified his defence as the No.1 priority in the summer transfer window.
The Blues have been linked to several players including Bayern's Jerome Boateng, but it is German team-mate Sule who Tuchel is apparently 'intensely' following.
Thomas Tuchel wants to bolster his Chelsea ranks (Image: Reuters)
According to Munich-based newspaper Abendzeitung, the former Borussia Dortmund and Paris Saint-Germain manager is desperate to bring Sule to Stamford Bridge.
Indeed, it is understand Tuchel is already in talks with Chelsea's transfer chief Marina Granovskaia over a potential deal.
Despite the manager's interest, AZ claim that Bayern are in no rush to part ways with their reliable defender.
The centre-back has a good relationship with boss Hansi Flick and feels at home in Munich, it is claimed.
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Meanwhile, Antonio Rudiger is living up to his reputation as an 'agent' for Chelsea.
The defender has admitted he's in "contact" with David Alaba amid interest from the west London outfit in signing the Bayern Munich defender.
Affectionately named 'Agent Rudi' after the Blues signed Timo Werner and Kai Havertz last summer, Rudiger appears to be working behind the scenes once again.
Chelsea are reportedly eyeing more defensive recruits this summer and a swoop on German giants Bayern is being touted.
The Bundesliga leaders are already set for a big shake up at the end of the season having agreed a deal in principle to sign Dayot Upamecano from RB Leipzig.
Niklas Sule is wanted by the Premier League giants (Image: Reuters)
Alaba confirmed this week that he will leave the Allianz Arena at the end of his contract, with Chelsea among those hoping to persuade the Austrian of a move to the Premier League.
The Blues face strong competition for his signature though with Real Madrid considered the favourites to sign Alaba.
Rudiger has already proven that he's capable of using his German connections to convince both Werner and Havertz of a move to Stamford Bridge.
And it appears as though the 27-year-old is ready to do the same again this year conversations already being held with Alaba.
"If Chelsea were to decide on one of the three players as a transfer target, I would be available to answer any questions," he told Bild.
"I know Jerome and Niklas very well and I've already had contact with David Alaba."