Chelsea Eyeing Up Nicolás Tagliafico After Losing Hope in Pursuit of Ben Chilwell

Chelsea are understood to have turned their attentions to Ajax's Nicolás Tagliafico after losing hope that a deal for Leicester's Ben Chilwell can be completed. 

After being curtailed by a transfer ban last summer, the Blues are keen to bolster their young squad.

As revealed by 90min back in October, neither Marcos Alonso or Emerson Palmieri are in Frank Lampard's long-term plans - making left-back a priority area to strengthen.

England international Chilwell has long been linked with a move to Chelsea, though ​Manchester City have also been ​tracking the 23-year-old since last year.

However, ​Calcio Mercato have now reported that although the defender remains their top target, the Blues are contemplating other options due to Leicester's hefty ​£80m asking price.

One such player is Tagliafico who has made 38 appearances in all competitions for Ajax this season. The dogged Argentine also played a important role as his side shocked the world by coming within minutes of reaching the ​Champions League final last campaign. 

A move to Stamford Bridge would see the 27-year-old reunite with Ajax teammate Hakim Ziyech who recently agreed a deal to move to west London in the summer. With only two years left on his current deal, Tagliafico would represent a far cheaper option than Chilwell. 

Chelsea are also considering swooping in to sign Porto star ​Alex Telles who could be available for a little as €40m (£36m). Telles has been in the form of his life this season, netting 10 goals and nine assists and if 90min can be believed - and we obviously can - he is the 16th ​best full-back in the world.

Regardless of who Chelsea end up making a move for, it seems that Emerson or Alonso are likely to be moved on with both ​Inter and ​Juventus circling the pair.