As reported by The Standard, Chelsea are eyeing Sporting's Ousmane Diomande for a deal to boost their defence in January. The 20-year-old Ivorian is a top target for the Blues. However, Sporting turned down Chelsea's first offer, insisting on Diomande's full £69 million release clause.
He's been a key player for Sporting, helping them lead the Portuguese table. Diomande's former club Midtjylland also get a cut of any profit from his transfer, making negotiations trickier.
Despite having several defenders, Chelsea still want to sign a young centre-back. Fofana's injured, Chalobah might be sold, and Silva's contract ends next summer so Chelsea need some new faces in their defence.
Blues are also looking into Viktor Gyokeres, Sporting's striker, who's had a fantastic season with 17 goals and eight assists. Sporting, though, want clubs to pay Gyokeres' full £87 million release clause and are hesitant to let him go.
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