Chelsea are in formal talks with Rennes over a deal to sign goalkeeper Edouard Mendy.
Frank Lampard wants to sign a new goalkeeper after losing faith in Kepa Arrizabalaga and has identified 28-year-old Mendy as his no1 target.
Chelsea initially looked at signing Atletico Madrid’s Jan Oblak but later turned their attentions to more affordable options.
Mendy, a Senegal international who helped Rennes qualify for the Champions League last season, has told the French club that he wants to join Chelsea.
Rennes president Nicolas Holveck has confirmed that the club are in talks with Chelsea over a deal as the Blues prepare to take their summer spending to around £250million.
Holveck said: “Discussions have started with Chelsea for Edouard Mendy. I can understand his desire, he told us.
"But for the moment, there is no agreement and for a transfer, we need an agreement of the three parties.”
Chelsea finalised the signing of Kai Havertz from Bayer Leverkusen last Friday and have also brought in Hakim Ziyech, Timo Werner, Ben Chilwell, Malang Sarr and Thiago Silva so far this summer.
