Chelsea are reportedly stepped up their interest for Germany international Shkodran Mustafi as Antonio Conte looks to strengthen his defensive options at Stamford Bridge, according to The Mirror.
The west London outfit were quite vulnerable last season as the veteran defenders John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic started to show their age.
Now it is widely expected that the Blues will make an approach for a new centre-half ahead of next season.
Mustafi plays as a central defender for Spanish outfit Valencia, progressed significantly since being a youth player at Everton, with the 24-year-old impressing at former club Sampdoria and current employer Valencia.
Mustafi played a crucial role for Germany at Euro 2016, scoring opener against Ukraine, but was second-choice to Mats Hummels and Jerome Boateng.