Chelsea are interested in signing Fenerbahce centre-back Yusuf Akcicek, according to reports.

Turkish-Football.com claim that the “highly rated” defender has been scouted by the Blues, with the London club seriously weighing up whether to make a move for the player.

Akcicek’s performances have attracted the attention of several other Premier League clubs in recent months too.

The likes of Liverpool, Manchester United and Aston Villa have also taken a keen interest in the 19-year-old.

What do Chelsea fans need to know about the centre-half?

Akcicek actually started out in Galatasaray’s youth ranks before making the move to rivals Fenerbahce on a free transfer in September 2019.

The youngster made his senior debut last season, playing the full 90 minutes in the Conference League group game against Ludogorets. He has only made 20 appearances for the first team in total.

However, Akcicek started for Fenerbahce against Galatasaray in the 0-0 draw at the end of last month and he has been called up by Turkey for their Nations League playoff games against Hungary.

Tbe defender was an unused substitute for the 3-1 win in the first leg on Thursday evening before he got his first cap in the away fixture yesterday.

Mourinho is a big fan of Akcicek

Former Blues boss Jose Mourinho spoke out about the teenager’s potential earlier this campaign. The Fenerbahce head coach says he can see similarities between him and former Manchester United player Raphael Varane:

“I don’t want to compare him to Rapha Varane because he has won four Champions Leagues, World Cup and won everything. But I had Rapha Varane [at Real Madrid] when he was 18 and I was not wrong. And I am not wrong with this kid. (He has a) big personality and is very confident.”

Read our exclusive interview with Glen Johnson as he compares the wingers in Chelsea’s squad.