Jérémie Jacquet transfer news: Chelsea are in talks for Rennes defender

Chelsea Rennes are in talks to sign Rennes defender Jérémy Jacquet during the winter transfer window.

The Blues spoke to both Rennes and the 20-year-old’s agent about a January transfer, but more than £60m are currently being offered to secure a deal this month.

The France Under-21 international is understood to be interested in the move although BBC Sport understands there is significant rival interest.

The talks follow an internal decision at Stamford Bridge to bring forward plans to sign a centre-back for six months, rather than waiting until the summer.

Alternative options will also be considered. There are reports of interest in Como defender Jakapo Ramon – who is also attracting the attention of Real Madrid – and Bournemouth’s Marcos Sensi.

Senesi, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is also a target for Juventus, while the south coast club are yet to receive any official contact from Chelsea.

Chelsea had previously looked to sign a centre-back for former manager Enzo Maresca last summer, but top target Dean Huyson opted to join Real Madrid.

Other options were evaluated but Chelsea did not believe they could find a suitable replacement, which contributed to Maresca’s early frustration which ultimately played a role in his mid-season departure.

The desire to sign a ball-playing centre-back came after Levi Colwell suffered a serious knee injury in pre-season, although his recovery is progressing well and there is optimism that he will feature later in the season. He remains central to Chelsea’s long-term plans.

There is also growing expectation that both Trevoh Chalupa and Tosin Adarabioyo will reach a crossroads in the summer, when they have two years remaining on their contracts and either sign new deals or face the possibility of being sold.