CHELSEA are set to move for Germany defender Matthias Ginter – who has been hailed as the new Sergio Ramos.
The Blues have already signed striker Timo Werner and attacking midfielder Kai Havertz from the Bundesliga this year.
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But boss Frank Lampard is now ready to make a bid for Borussia Moenchengladbach centre-half Ginter.
The 26-year-old has been likened to Real Madrid legend Ramos by Germany World Cup-winning skipper and former Sun Sport columnist Lothar Mattheus.
Mattheus told Sky Sports Germany: “Ginter has become a leader at the back, in a similar way to Ramos at Real.
“He doesn’t just give instructions to his team-mates, but leads them as well. That’s what Ginter is doing really well at the moment. He reminds me of Ramos.”
Chelsea could grab Ginter for just £30m in January.
The West Londoners have already spent over £200m this year.
Lampard has strengthened his defence by bringing in experienced Brazil centre-half Thiago Silva, 36.
But he wants another defender and hopes to off-load Antonio Rudiger, who could return to Germany after a loan move to Spurs fell through in the summer.
Fan Mattheus added: “He’s full of confidence nowadays, and has become a big personality.
“In the past, he wasn’t as vocal and tended to follow the pack. Now he’s taking on responsibility and making important decisions – defensively and in attack.”
Ginter moved to Gladbach in 2017 after failing to hold down a starting spot at Borussia Dortmund.
He came through the ranks at FC Freiburg.
The Germany international defender has made over 110 appearances for Gladbach, helping them qualify for the Champions League.
He also has nine goals.
Lampard has also signed left-back Ben Chilwell, midfielder Hakim Ziyech and keeper Edouard Mendy as he tries to build a title-winning team at Stamford Bridge.
