Chelsea have begun agent talks over a potential move for Sporting Lisbon defender Pedro Porro as they look to find cover for the injury-prone Reece James this January.
The Blues have endured a rotten return to Premier League football in the aftermath of the World Cup, picking up four points from nine in the Premier League and being knocked out of the FA Cup by Manchester City, a run of results that leaves them 10th in the Premier League and unlikely to see silverware at Stamford Bridge this season.
Central to their issue has been injuries, specifically to James, who has missed much of the season with a knee issue. Without the English right-back, the Blues look a shadow of themselves, with either Cesar Azpilicueta or a wide midfielder forced to fill in.
Chelsea looked at a move for Jonathan Clauss last summer, but the Frenchman ultimately opted to move to Marseille rather than west London.
It means that right back is a key area that needs addressing this January, with three players on the Chelsea wishlist according to reports.
However, one is more advanced than the others, with talks ongoing over a potential move for Sporting Lisbon’s Pedro Porro this month, who has a 45m euro release clause and has also been subject to interest from Tottenham this winter.
“Jeremie Frimpong is another one that’s up there. I’ve not had anything on Denzel Dumfries yet, but he’s another one that they’ve looked at.
“Those three are the main ones I’d say and the key right-backs they’re looking at to add some competition for Reece James.”
Were Chelsea able to add strong cover for James along with the impending deal for Joao Felix and another central midfield player, a place in Europe next season may not be as remote a possibility as it currently looks for Graham Potter and co.
