Chelsea set to rival European giant for the signature of young defender

Chelsea are reportedly still eyeing RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano despite interest from the likes of Manchester United and Manchester City.

The Blues have been linked with numerous young players despite that the future of Frank Lampard remains unclear at the club.

Chelsea are now monitoring the situation of Dayot Upamecano at RB Leipzig despite that he penned a new contract last year with the Bundesliga side.

The Blues pursuit of Upamecano hit a stumbling block when Bayern Munich CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge revealed that the European champions are eager to sign the 22-year-old at the end of the season.

However, according to Goal.com, Chelsea are not giving up in their pursuit as they are eager to convince the young defender into joining them instead of Bayern Munich.

Manchester United are also linked with the defender but Chelsea are ready to hand him a starting spot with Thiago Silva seen as a season player with the Blues.

Upamecano’s release clause stands at €45m (£40m) and Chelsea are ready to agree a price with RB Leipzig despite that they were the highest spender during the last transfer window.

The Blues will have to make the move before the January transfer window closes.