Chelsea’s four-man transfer shortlist after missing out on Jules Kounde including Wesley Fofana and Benjamin Pavard
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CHELSEA have identified four defensive targets after missing out on Jules Kounde, according to reports.
Kounde completed a transfer to Barcelona on Thursday, rejecting Chelsea after the Blues had a £55million offer accepted by Sevilla.
That was a major blow to Thomas Tuchel who is still aiming to sign two defenders to complement the addition of Kalidou Koulibaly and replace the likes of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.
One player he likes is Paris Saint-Germain's Presnel Kimpembe but with the Frenchman wanting to stay at PSG Chelsea could turn their attention elsewhere.
Inter Milan defenders Milan Skriniar and Denzel Dumfries are two names on the shortlist according to the - though PSG are also in the hunt for Skriniar.
The French giants are set to hold talks with Inter over a move but are reportedly yet to match their £67.25m asking price for the centre-back.
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Dumfries is a much cheaper option than his team-mate at £34m, but is naturally a right-back and also attracting interest from Manchester United.
Benjamin Pavard is another name of the shortlist and the Bayern Munich star is also capable of playing right-back or in central defence.
The 26-year-old is valued at £30m by Bayern and the German champions could be willing to sell after landing Chelsea target Matthijs de Ligt from Juventus.
United too have an eye on Pavard with Juventus and Atletico Madrid also monitoring the defender's situation.
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Leicester star Wesley Fofana is the final name on the shortlist and Chelsea have made progress with his transfer after agreeing personal terms.
But the Foxes are adamant Fofana is not for sale and will reportedly not entertain offers below £70m.