Chelsea are interested in signing Monaco centre-back Benoit Badiashile, according to Le10 Sport. The French publication reports that the Blues are already targeting players ahead of their transfer ban being lifted next summer.

With David Luiz having been sold to Arsenal in August, manager Frank Lampard may need another centre-back to strengthen his squad; particularly if he is thinking about switching to a back three like he did against Lille.

Badiashile, who has also been linked with Manchester United, is already a regular for Monaco despite only being 18. He made his senior debut in November last year in a 4-0 defeat to Paris Saint-Germain and has since gone on to make 32 appearances for the Ligue One side.

The teenager has started six of Monaco’s eight league games this season but it must be said he has not been part of a defence that has looked particularly secure. His team have conceded 16 goals already, although he did not feature in the 3-0 defeat to Lyon on the opening day or the 4-3 loss to Marseille last month.