CHELSEA are preparing a January move for Rennes defender Jeremy Jacquet.
The Blues are keen to give Liam Rosenior a new defender this month and may also move for an attacking midfielder with Cole Palmer still battling a groin injury.
Jacquet, 20, is also a target for German giants Bayern Munich and French side Rennes are reluctant to sell this month.
Chelsea have been without first choice central defender Levi Colwill since the first day of pre-season, when he suffered an ACL injury.
Colwill is progressing well but is still not expected back any time soon.
The Blues missed out on signing Dean Huijsen from Bournemouth in the summer, with the Spaniard joining Real Madrid.
Sacked former boss Enzo Maresca made a public call for a new defender which was not delivered, with the club feeling the adequate quality of player was not available at the time.
Chelsea plan to only sign players who can move into their starting XI this month and a spot on their Champions League A-list squad is open for a new signing.
France Under-21 international Jacquet has made 16 Ligue 1 appearances this season, helping Rennes to their current spot of sixth.
The Blues may also explore an attacking addition this month, with Facundo Buonanotte having ended his loan from Brighton.
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Cole Palmer has continued to struggle with a groin injury which has caused problems all season – restricting the England star to just 12 appearances.
Enzo Fernandez has impressed when played in Palmer’s more attacking position, but has also battled through injuries this season.
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