CHELSEA could line up with a new-look defence this season if Frank Lampard lands two of his top targets.
SunSport can exclusively reveal that a £40million deal is close for Brighton centre-back Lewis Dunk.
We can also report that Lampard is lining up a shock swoop for veteran Watford goalkeeper Ben Foster.
Dunk’s arrival at Stamford Bridge could spell the end of Chelsea’s interest in £80m-rated West Ham star Declan Rice.
And it could see one of Andreas Christensen or Kurt Zouma sold, although it is more likely that Fikayo Tomori will be loaned out.
Meanwhile, Foster would be brought in as a replacement for Kepa Arrizabalaga.
The Spaniard looks set for a loan return to Spain and gives Chelsea a further year to scout long-term options including Ajax’s Andre Onana and Man United’s Dean Henderson.
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Joining Dunk and Foster at the back could be Antonio Rudiger, Reece James and potential new left-back Ben Chilwell from Leicester.
A two-man midfield of N’Golo Kante and Mateo Kovacic could be Lampard’s preferred option further up the field.
And they could be flanked by Christian Pulisic and new signing Hakim Ziyech.
That leaves a free space for a new No10, and that role is likely to be filled by Kai Havertz after he informed Bayer Leverkusen about his intention to move.
Finally, Timo Werner looks set to lead the line after a big-money move from RB Leipzig.
Should Chelsea’s backline be solidified by Dunk and Foster, Lampard’s men stand a good chance of challenging Liverpool for their Premier League crown.
However, there is still plenty of time left in the transfer window for things to change.
And it remains to be seen if the Blues can get deals over the line for their preferred targets.
