Chelsea plan to open contract talks with Andreas Christensen following the centre-back's fine form under Thomas Tuchel.
The 24-year-old spent the first half of the campaign on the periphery of the squad under Frank Lampard and didn't feature in either of Tuchel's opening two matches in charge of the Blues.
However, an injury sustained by Thiago Silva midway through the first half of Chelsea's victory against Tottenham Hotspur last month gave Christensen an opportunity to reassert himself in the side. And it's one he's taken.
The Denmark international helped Chelsea keep a clean sheet in their 1-0 victory over Spurs and has started six of the Blues' seven games since, in which they have conceded just once: an Antonio Rudiger own goal in the victory over Sheffield United.
Christensen's current contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of next season and there was previously little movement on extending that deal on Chelsea's part.
However, The Telegraph report the club are now planning to offer the academy graduate a new deal to extend his time at Stamford Bridge given his flawless form over the past month.
"Andreas stepped in in the middle of the first half against Tottenham, which was a really tough thing to do, and from the first minute, he's been absolutely impressive," Tuchel said after Christensen produced a man-of-the-match performance in Chelsea's 1-0 victory against Liverpool on Thursday evening.
"He's brave, strong in individual challenges, brave and intelligent in the build-up, and plays with a lot of confidence.
"I am absolutely happy with his performances and how he's stepped up. He's been a big part of our performances."
Tuchel faces a big selection decision ahead of tomorrow evening's game against Everton at Stamford Bridge.
With Silva having returned to training this week following his injury, the 36-year-old will be ready to make his return to the side against the Toffees.
However, given Christensen's form, there is no reason for the Denmark international to be taken out of the starting XI by the German coach.
"It’s a little bit like the team, I’m getting better and better," Christensen told Chelsea's website at the start of this week.
"It’s been a while since I’ve had a run of games in a row, I've been a bit in and out over a long period. So for me, I’m enjoying it.
"I’m not where I probably was, but I’m getting there. So every game I’m getting better and I feel more comfortable every day.
"At the moment, I’m looking forward to the games and training. So I’m enjoying it."
