Chelsea have opened talks with French Ligue 1 side Nantes for defender Papy Djilobodji, who operates as a centre-back.
Blues boss Jose Mourinho is desperate to add another defender to his side's ranks before the transfer window slams shut tomorrow evening.
He has been left frustrated in his chase of Everton defender John Stones, seeing multiple bids rejected by the Toffees, who vow the England international will not be sold. And now Chelsea have turned to Djilobodji.
According to Italian broadcaster Sky Italia, the Blues have opened talks with Nantes about signing the 26-year-old Senegal international.
Djilobodji joined Nantes in 2010 from French minnows Senart-Moissy and quickly established himself at the club.
relatedNewsStory
The defender has now clocked up close to 200 appearances for Nantes, helping the club win promotion from Ligue 2 to Ligue 1 in the 2012/13 campaign.
While Nantes will undoubtedly be reluctant to lose Djilobodji's services, standing firm against the financial power of Chelsea is likely to be a step too far for the Ligue 1 outfit, while the player only has a further year left on his contract.
