Chelsea are keeping close tabs on Palmeiras’ young fullback Vanderlan, according to UOL Esporte.

The Brazilian website claim that the London club “has its eye” on the 21-year-old, who has played 59 games for Palmeiras’ first team since making his debut three years ago.

It is believed that the Blues have been sending scouts to watch Vanderlan over the past few months, and there is an expectation that they will open negotiations over a transfer when the summer window opens.

Palmeiras are reportedly reluctant to let the defender leave but UOL Esporte suggest that the player could be offloaded for around €15m (£13m).

What do fans need to know about Vanderlan?

The Brazilian made his way through the youth system at Palmeiras before making his first senior appearance against Vasco da Gama in a league game back in January 2021.

Vanderlan has been in and out of the starting eleven since then, having also featured for Palmeiras in the Copa Libertadores across four separate seasons.

He is a left-back by trade, but he has been deployed as a centre-half on occasion when needed.

He wouldn’t join Chelsea straight away

UOL Esporte report that the Blues are likely to loan the player out to Strasbourg immediately if they do sign him this summer.

Two other Brazilians, Angelo Gabriel and Andrey Santos, have been sent to the Ligue One side on a temporary basis this season in order to get more game time.

With Strasbourg under the Blueco ownership structure, it means they will be used, more often than not, to blood young players who are not necessarily ready to make the step up to the Premier League.

Both Angelo and Santos have certainly benefited from their time in France, and it looks like Vanderlan would have the same opportunity if he does sign on the dotted line.