Chelsea have entered the race for Verona centre-back Marash Kumbulla, according to Tuttosport. The Italian newspaper claims the Blues are one of seven clubs who are very interested in the Albanian international.

They report that Inter Milan have been in contact with the player’s agent but the Nerazzurri are aware that they will face competition from the Blues, Manchester City, Manchester United, Bayern Munich, Borussia Dortmund and RB Leipzig.

Kumbulla has had a superb season at Verona, helping the unfancied Serie A club to eighth in the table, with the fourth-best defensive record in the league.

The 20-year-old will not cost a sizeable sum either with Tuttosport saying that the defender could fetch around €25m (£23m) in the summer.

Chelsea could well be keen to strengthen their backline considering they have conceded 39 goals in 29 league games this season, but it looks certain that they will have to fight off a number of other teams to seal his signature.