Chelsea were interested in signing Feyenoord left-back Quilindschy Hartman before he suffered a serious knee injury, according to 1908.nl.

The Dutch website claims that the Blues had “opened talks” with the 22-year-old’s entourage in recent months as they lined up a bid ahead of the summer transfer window.

However, Hartman underwent knee surgery after picking up the injury in Feyenoord’s 4-2 win over FC Utrecht at the end of March.

Early estimates suggest that the Netherlands international won’t be back in first-team action until the start of next year.

Chelsea have retained an interest in Hartman

Despite the setback, it appears that the Blues have not ended their pursuit of the defender. 1908.nl report that the London club remain interested in the player, having scouted him extensively over the past few years.

They even say that Hartman and his representatives were “in London” last week to watch Chelsea’s 5-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates.

Will Chelsea be in the market for a left-back this summer?

While the Blues won’t be pursuing Hartman when the next transfer window opens, it’s likely that co-sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Lawrence Stewart will be looking to reinforce the club’s options on the left-hand side of defence.

Vice-captain Ben Chilwell has been plagued by injuries, while there are still doubts over whether Marc Cucurella has a long-term future at the club.

Ian Maatsen is also not expected to return to Stamford Bridge once his loan spell at Borussia Dortmund ends, while Lewis Hall is set to join Newcastle on a permanent basis.

In terms of potential alternatives to Hartman, Bayern Munich’s Alphonso Davies is known to be a player of interest to Chelsea but the Canadian international has been tipped to join Real Madrid instead. Moves have been touted for Bournemouth’s Milos Kerkez and Stade Brestois’s Bradley Locko as well.