CHELSEA are reportedly eyeing up a move for Atletico Madrid star Jose Gimenez.
The Premier League club have lined up a deal for the highly-rated defender and are also keen on agreeing a new contract with Thiago Silva.
Jose Gimenez puts in a challenge for Atletico Madrid against Lokomotiv MoscowCredit: Reuters
The Blues have identified Uruguay defender Gimenez as a key target according to the Here We Go Podcast.
Chelsea have tightened up their defence this season but the club are still looking to strengthen and see the 25-year-old as a long-term prospect.
Gimenez made 27 appearances last season for Atletico and his form has attracted the attention of most of the major sides in Europe.
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Chelsea seem to be front of the queue, but they are also focused on keeping Thiago Silva at the club after a promising start following his summer move.
The 36-year-old has impressed for Chelsea since joining from PSG and helped improve their defensive record.
Silva signed a one-year deal at Stamford Bridge but according to Tuttomercarto the club are already in discussions to agree a new contract.
The Brazilian defender has featured nine times under Frank Lampard and has yet to lose in a Chelsea shirt.
Joe Cole praised Silva’s contribution during BT Sport’s coverage of Chelsea’s win in Rennes.
Cole said: “He has been one of the great defenders of our generation, but at 36 you worry.
“He needed time to get into it and now he looks like a Rolls-Royce and one of the best centre-halves in the league.”
Chelsea fans in hysterics as Joe Cole tells Frank Lampard to give players a ‘smacked bum’ at half-time vs Rennes
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
