Chelsea are the elite Premier League club keeping tabs on Southampton keeper Fraser Forster, according to a report.
Record Sport revealed last week a top four club had placed the six times capped England international on its shortlist for summer recruitment.
The King's Road side have the world's most expensive keeper on their books in £72m man Kepa Arrizabalaga but Football Insider reports his indifferent start to life in London has lead Frank Lampard to conclude he needs serious competition for his starting place.
And while the 6ft 7in star would begin as second choice he may fancy his chances of winning the top slot given his form at Celtic last season.
Forster has two years left to run on his monster £70,000-a-week Saints deal and Ralph Hasenhuttl's men, aware of his form on loan, won't let him leave on the cheap.
A £10m transfer valuation has been mooted despite the Geordie dropping to third choice behind Angus Gunn and Alex McCarthy when he left.
Such figures put him out of the reach of the Hoops and Neil Lennon will have to hope such interest doesn't materialise if they are to pull off a coup and secure his signature.
If a deal can't be agreed then Lennon may have to return to the transfer market to secure a replacement with Scott Bain the only established keeper whose future is secured.
Craig Gordon is out of contract and although he is mulling over a new offer on less terms with more emphasis on appearances.
The 37-year-old is a wanted man with Huddersfield Town, Hearts and St Mirren all keen to snap him up.
The Hoops also have Conor Hazard and Ross Doohan on their books but the highly-rated young keepers are unlikely to be the answer for next season given their inexperience.
