Chelsea have been holding talks with Valencia over a potential deal for left-back Jose Gaya, according to Soccerlink. The French website reports that the Blues have a “real interest” in the Spanish international.

The Blues’ transfer ban means the London club are looking ahead towards next summer, and they are said to be very keen on the fullback.

Considering Emerson Palmieri has been performing exceptionally well for Frank Lampard’s side this season, it’s likely that Gaya is being eyed as a possible replacement for Marcos Alonso.

The Spaniard has fallen down the pecking order and reports last week claimed that the only reason why he didn’t leave for Atletico Madrid this summer was because the transfer embargo prevented the club from replacing him.

Gaya would likely be an expensive purchase, though. He is highly rated in Spain and played the full 90 minutes for his country as they thrashed the Faroe Islands 4-0 on Sunday.