Chelsea have had “talks” with the representatives of Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, according to Bild journalist Christian Falk.

Manchester City are believed to be keen on signing the World Cup winner as part of a swap deal for Kyle Walker but Falk says the Blues and Liverpool have also pondered making a move for the player:

“Pavard is Man City’s priority in case Kyle Walker will join Bayern, deal advanced on the player side but not completed yet. Bayern and City will discuss Walker and Pavard… He’s an interesting player for the Premier League. Chelsea are always in talks with his management; Liverpool are in talks with his management, Barcelona as well, but Barcelona don’t have the money at the moment. They would like to have him as a free agent next summer.”

Pavard has a year left on his contract at Bayern and it is believed that the Bundesliga champions are prepared to sell the France international for around €30m (£26m).

Do Chelsea need a player like Pavard?

Considering manager Mauricio Pochettino likes to play with a four-man backline, it is hard to see where Pavard would fit in if he were to make the switch to Stamford Bridge.

Reece James and Malo Gusto are the two right-backs, while Pochettino still has five senior centre-halves in his squad (Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Benoit Badiashile, Levi Colwill and Trevoh Chalobah). There is, therefore, very little room for Pavard.

Midfield is the area that needs to be strengthened

After selling the likes of Mateo Kovacic, Rubem Loftus-Cheek and Mason Mount in recent weeks, Chelsea’s focus will be on buying midfielders.

The London club are currently locked in talks to sign Moises Caicedo from Brighton, while there is growing speculation that an offer will be made for Lyon playmaker Rayan Cherki.