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Football London
Football London
Sport
Joe Doyle

Chelsea eyeing young star to fix Frank Lampard's problem position after January transfer failure

One of the clear problems in Chelsea's squad this season has come in defence.

Reece James is forging a place for himself on the right side of defence in his breakthrough season with the Blues.

One of the main reasons that has come about, though, is the lack of a definitive first choice at left-back.

Cesar Azpilicueta is currently deputising at left-back, and it is clear that neither Marcos Alonso or Emerson Palmieri has managed to stake a claim despite being given ample opportunities.

Oliver Harbord on how Chelsea will spend their winter break

Alonso has made just eight appearances in the Premier League this season, and has only started one league game since the end of October.

Emerson, meanwhile, started the season as first-choice left-back and has made 14 appearances, despite suffering a hamstring injury that ruled him out of action for October.

And Chelsea have been linked with a move for Leicester City star Ben Chilwell in the summer - a transfer that would likely cost a huge sum of money.

Now Lampard is said to be keeping his eye on a cheaper alternative, with an enquiry already made.

The Mirror state that Chelsea have been in contact with Wigan Athletic about their left-back Antonee Robinson.

The defender was set to seal a £10million move to AC Milan on transfer deadline day in January - only for the deal to fall apart on a technicality.

The 22-year-old underwent a medical in Milan, but further tests were needed that would take 72 hours to complete - meaning the move was off.

Since then, Chelsea are among three clubs who have been in touch about the American defender, with Aston Villa and Newcastle also said to have made an approach.

Robinson joined Wigan from Everton in the summer for just £2million, but could now go for more than five times that amount should the Latics decide to up their price at the end of the season.

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