Chelsea are tracking Lille midfielder Thiago Mendes, according to reports in France.

The Blues, along with German clubs Schalke and Wolfsburg, are believed to be keen on the Brazilian, with Lille said to be willing to listen to offers for the player in the January transfer window.

The French club are looking to sell due to financial difficulties, and it means Mendes could be available for a relatively modest sum next month.

The 26-year-old is a defensive midfielder which would suggest he may be in mind if Cesc Fabregas leaves Stamford Bridge. The Spaniard has been heavily linked with AC Milan in recent months, and his contract expires at the end of the season.

Mendes was signed from Sao Paulo for €9m in July 2017 and has gone on to establish himself in Lille’s first team, having made 50 appearances for the Ligue One side since moving to France eighteen months ago.