CHELSEA are considering a £30million bid for Barcelona defender Sergino Dest, according to reports.
The Blues are looking to strengthen in the full-back areas, particularly since Ben Chilwell was ruled out for an extended period of time with cruciate ligament damage.
And Thomas Tuchel‘s side also have to prepare for the possibility of club captain Cesar Azpilicueta leaving as his contract expires at the end of the season.
According to The Express, Chelsea see Dest as a viable option in the upcoming transfer market.
He can play as a wingback on either side of the pitch, with his versatility an attractive proposition for Tuchel.
It is more likely Chelsea will have to wait until the summer to sign the 21-year-old American as his deal at the Nou Camp runs until 2025.
But the Blues’ hopes of securing him in January will have been boosted by Barcelona‘s recent activity.
The Catalan giants are in a financial crisis and so need to sell players if they are to secure Manchester City forward Ferran Torres next month and stay within LaLiga’s financial fair play rules.
That could mean offloading Dest to free up funds for a £50m Torres deal.
When asked about signing a left-back in the January window, Tuchel said: “First, we must be sure what we do with Ben.
“Then we decide if we go for internal solutions and if we trust that we can overcome this period.
“Everything depends on Ben Chilwell and how long he is out. Then on the alternatives, [we can think] if there is something to do, if there is a chance to do something.
“But we did not start this process because we want to protect ourselves and not lose focus on the most important things. The most important things right now are Ben and Marcos [Alonso]. From there we go.”
Tuchel will have to fight off competition from German champions Bayern Munich if he is to get his hands on Dest.
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Chelsea have dropped off the pace in recent weeks after just one win from four Premier League games.
A defeat to West Ham has been followed up by draws against Everton and Wolves as the London outfit now sit six points off leaders Manchester City.
Next up for Tuchel’s squad is a trip to Steven Gerrard’s Aston Villa on Boxing Day.
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