Chelsea reportedly in race for this Barcelona defender as an alternative for Lucas Digne

A latest report has claimed that the Blues are considering a move for Barcelona full-back Sergino Dest as an alternative to Everton’s Lucas Digne.

Chelsea are all out for a new defender in the ongoing January transfer window.

This comes as Ben Chilwell is out of the Blues squad on a season-ending knee injury, while Reece James is also currently sidelined.

Chelsea are one of the clubs thought to be in the race to sign out-of-favour Everton left-back Digne, alongside the likes of West Ham United, Newcastle United and Napoli.

However, the Daily Star reports that Thomas Tuchel’s side are weighing up Barcelona’s Dest as an alternative option due to the 21-year-old’s ability to play on the left and right side of defence.

Since October last year, Dest has started just one La Liga game for Barcelona as he has lost playing chances under new Xavi.

The report claims the Catalans are open to letting the USA international leave the club this month as they look to free up space in their wage budget, with new signing Ferran Torres currently unable to be registered due to financial issues.

Barca would reportedly demand around £30m for Dest, who has also been linked with Manchester City, Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur and Bayern Munich.