Chelsea are desperate for Mats Hummels to replace John Terry in the summer and have already made contact with the Borussia Dortmund defender’s father, according to German newspaper Bild, via 101 Great Goals.
Hummels, 27, will have entered the final 12 months of his current deal in the summer and Dortmund will have to make a decision whether to sell him now or risk losing him for free at the end of next season.
The Germany international has previously been linked with a move to Manchester United, but it is Chelsea who now leading the race to sign the centre-back after making contact with his father, who represents Hummels.
Chelsea will reportedly be asked to meet Dortmund’s €35m (£28m) valuation of Hummels, which the Blues are unlikely to be willing to pay considering how deep Hummels is into his contract.
Since August 2012, only three defenders have won more aerial duels than Hummels in the Bundesliga (423).
For stats on Mats Hummels, click here to visit his WhoScored player page
