Chelsea's interest in RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano appears to have been confirmed.
The Blues have been linked with a move for the centre-back ahead of the summer with competition rife given Upamecano, still only 22, is viewed as one of the next big things when it comes to his position.
It emerged today that Updamecano was likely to decide 'soon' whether he will look to move to the Premier League or stay in Bundesliga with Bayern Munich.
But until now, Chelsea's interest in the Frenchman appeared to only be speculation, but the latest development just might have confirmed their interest.
In a surprise move, Bayern CEO Karl-Heinz Rummenigge appeared to confirm Bayern's interest as well as naming Chelsea and Liverpool as interested clubs.
He told Sky Germany : "When clubs like Chelsea or Liverpool are interested in him, it shows what qualities the players have.
"There are two other clubs interested in Dayot. We will lose David Alaba. It depends on the player now and how quickly he wants to make a decision."
Of course, there is always the possibility Rummenigge is going off what he has heard in the press, but it's more likely he is speaking from what he has been told when trying to pursue a move.
That will come as a real boost for Chelsea fans who have largely been in favour of a potential deal for the very highly rated Upamecano.
New Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel hasn't made his transfer wishes clear just yet, still getting to know his new squad, but he could opt to strengthen at centre-back with Thiago SIlva's defensive partner often changing this season.
Kurt Zouma was largely favoured under Frank Lampard but Antonio Rudiger came back into the fold before his departure and the German has started both of Tuchel's first games in charge as part of a new back three with Silva and Cesar Azpilicueta.
Upamecano could add plenty of strength to that back-line and he is available for just £38million, the value of his current Leipzig release clause.
