Chelsea are likely to sign a new right-back in the January transfer window at the behest of head coach Enzo Maresca, according to TBRFootball.

The website claims that the Italian is keen to reinforce his options in that position due to the ongoing injury problems being faced by captain Reece James.

Five different targets have been identified, with Barcelona’s Jules Kounde and Bayer Leverkusen’s Jeremie Frimpong the two standout names.

However, TBR claim that the Blues are “most likely” to sign a younger player, with Fiorentina’s Michael Kayode, Freiburg’s Kiliann Sildillia and Sporting Lisbon’s Geovany Quenda all under consideration.

The 2 Chelsea targets that would be the best fit for Maresca

Kayode and Sildillia both have traits which would be suitable. The former has played 40 games for Fiorentina, having been a regular starter last season. The fact that he can also play as a wingback or as an inverted fullback means he would fit like a glove into Maresca’s system.

Sildillia, meanwhile, has slightly more experience than Kayode and, as well as playing right across the back four, he can also be deployed in midfield.

In terms of Quenda, the teenager would not be the right man to replace James. He is more of a wingback/winger than a defender.

What is the latest update on James’ fitness?

It was confirmed last week that the fullback had suffered a setback in his recovery from a hamstring injury. He initially picked up the problem in pre-season but it was hoped that he would return to the fold after the September international break.

However, the medical team believe that James’ rehabilitation will take longer than expected. No estimate has been given on when the defender will be back available. The 24-year-old has spent 249 days on the sidelines due to various hamstring issues since the start of last campaign.

Find out who is in Chelsea’s first-team squad for the 2024/2025 season here