Chelsea 'draw up eight-man defensive shortlist'

Chelsea have reportedly compiled a list of eight defenders who they may look to sign during the summer transfer window.

Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger are on the brink of signing for Barcelona and Real Madrid respectively on free transfers, while Cesar Azpilicueta and Marcos Alonso could also depart Stamford Bridge over the coming months.

With Thiago Silva also due to turn 38 years of age in September, it leaves head coach Thomas Tuchel needing to make a number of defensive additions ahead of 2022-23.

According to The Telegraph, there is a shortlist of eight players, which includes long-term target Jules Kounde who is expected to sign from Sevilla.

RB Leipzig centre-back Josko Gvardiol is said to be Chelsea's number-one target for the left-hand side of the back three, but an array of other names have also come into Tuchel's thinking.

Villarreal's Pau Torres and Atletico Madrid's Jose Gimenez also feature on the list, but Chelsea will face stiff competition for their signature.

The West London outfit must first acquire new owners, with a consortium headed by Todd Boehly waiting for the government, Premier League and other relevant authorities to give the green light to the change of ownership.