Chelsea are said to be monitoring the situation of Samuel Umtiti, amid reports the Blues want to sign the Lyon defender.

The London Evening Standard says the France Under-21 international is seen as a player of great potential and a similar purchase to that of Kurt Zouma, who joined the Blues from Saint Etienne for £12.5m last year.

Umtiti has just two years left on his contract and Chelsea are among a flurry of clubs hoping to make the highly rated central defender theirs. The 21-year-old can also be deployed at left-back, but his favoured position is in the centre of defence. It is thought that Chelsea are prepared to offer in the region of £10.7m for his signature.

Umtiti has previously played alongside Chelsea starlet Kurt Zouma for the French Under-21 side, now it may be possible that the two could link up once again and form a defensive duo for the Blues.

Lyon are said to be negotiating a new contract with Umtiti, so Chelsea could be set to be disappointed if a new deal is struck.

Manager Jose Mourinho is keen to strengthen the back-line during the summer, but he has already been left frustrated by the failed transfers of Raphael Varane, who has had his move blocked by new Madrid coach Rafael Benitez. He has also seen his club fail in an attempt to sign Belgian defender Toby Alderweireld, who was on loan at Southampton last season. The centre back is said to have rejected Chelsea for Spurs in order to play more.

With just two years left on his current contract, Umtiti’s transfer could be a real possibility. He would certainly be one to watch for the future also, so it’s worth keeping your eyes on this transfer deal.