Chelsea have reportedly added Everton defender Jarrad Branthwaite to their centre-back shortlist ahead of the summer window.
The Blues are keen to recruit a new central defender this summer, especially as there is uncertainty surrounding Trevoh Chalobah's future at Stamford Bridge.
A recent report from The Telegraph claimed that Chelsea are interested in signing Ben Nelson from Enzo Maresca's former club, Leicester City.
However, according to Sky Sports News the Blues have no plans to sign the 21-year-old this summer, having already drawn up a shortlist of potential defensive targets.
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Chelsea identify Branthwaite as transfer target
The update claims that Everton's Branthwaite is among three players being considered as possible options ahead of the summer transfer window.
Chelsea are likely to face competition from Manchester United, who remain keen on Branthwaite despite seeing at least two offers rejected last summer.
The 22-year-old has been a regular fixture in the Everton side this season, having started 27 of his 29 Premier League appearances.
Everton now face a battle to retain Brainthwaite's services, although they are at least in a strong negotiating position due to the player's contract situation.
The centre-back still has two years left to run on his Everton deal, with an option to extend his agreement by a further 12 months.
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Who else are Chelsea considering?
Branthwaite is joined on Chelsea's three-man defender shortlist by Ajax's Jorrel Hato and Crystal Palace's Marc Guehi.
Hato has tended to play as a left-back for Ajax this season, but he has previously demonstrated that he can operate as a central defender.
Meanwhile, Guehi has established himself as an accomplished Premier League defender since he left Chelsea for Palace in the summer of 2021.
The Chelsea academy product is attracting plenty of interest ahead of the summer market, with Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur said to be among his potential suitors.
However, there is a possibility that Guehi could look to run down his contract to join either Barcelona or Real Madrid on a free transfer in 2026.
