Chelsea have “sounded out” Sporting Lisbon defender Ousmane Diomande and Nice’s Jean-Clair Todibo ahead of the summer transfer window, according to the Evening Standard reporter Nizaar Kinsella.

The journalist says that the Blues are “interested” in Lille’s Leny Yoro as they look for a replacement for Thiago Silva but the club are eyeing alternatives, with the 18-year-old also on the radar of Real Madrid and Paris Saint-Germain.

Diomande has been regularly linked with a move to Stamford Bridge over the past six months, with reports in the Portuguese media having claimed that a bid in excess of £50m could be tabled.

Other Premier League teams, including Arsenal and Newcastle, have also been credited with an interest in the Ivorian international but a lot will depend on Sporting.

The Portuguese league leaders are believed to be reluctant to sell Diomande for below his release clause, which currently stands at €80m (£68m).

Todibo is also a long-term target for Chelsea

Like Diomande, the Frenchman has been on the Blues’ radar for quite some time, with it being suggested that he could be a suitable replacement for Silva.

Todibo is four years older than Diomande, and six years older than Yoro, so he would offer Chelsea a lot more experience.

In addition, the 24-year-old would probably be the cheapest. A €60m (£51m) price tag has been mentioned.

Yoro seems to be the favoured choice

From the sound of things, the 18-year-old is the priority target. Lille are reportedly demanding as much as €80m (£68m) to €90m (£77m) but the fact that the teenager is closing in on the final year of his contract could lead to his valuation dropping significantly.

It looks like a new no.9 and a successor for Silva will be the main focus for Chelsea in the next transfer window.