"Name that I heard" - talkSPORT reporter drops exciting Chelsea transfer hint on £102m-rated ace

Chelsea have identified young centre-back Josko Gvardiol as a potential target, according to talkSPORT reporter Alex Crook.

Thomas Tuchel is in the middle of a defensive crisis following the departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen and desperately needs to bolster his numbers ahead of the new campaign.

According to 90min, Chelsea are amongst several clubs interested in Gvardiol, valued at £102m, with the Blues ‘keeping tabs’ at this stage of proceedings.

The 20-year-old has also attracted attention from Tottenham following his form for RB Leipzig in both the Bundesliga and Champions League since his move from Dinamo Zagreb last year.

Croatian outlet 24Sata recently stated that Gvardiol’s father flew to London to discuss a move to Stamford Bridge, although the report from 90min believe their interest in the impressive defender remains at an ‘early stage’.

But Crook confirmed that along with long-term target Jules Kounde, the Croatian international is on Chelsea’s list of summer targets.

He told GIVEMESPORT: “I think they’re more likely to recruit abroad than in the Premier League. The other name that I heard for Chelsea was Gvardiol, who Tottenham are looking at as well. I think they will sign Kounde, but I think they want to sign two central defenders.”

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First and foremost, bringing in Gvardiol, who’s not only comfortable in possession, but the fact he’s a natural left-footer would suggest he’s the perfect replacement for Rudiger, who spent the majority of his time under Tuchel playing in the left-side of a back three.

According to WhoScored, Gvardiol’s pass success rate was a notable 84 per cent last season, while he made the