With Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen in the final years of their respective contracts, Chelsea manager Thomas Tuchel is eager to find a solution to his defensive problems. And fast.
After last night's 1-1 draw with Everton in which the Toffees snatched a point thanks to a set-piece, despite having just five shots, Chelsea have now conceded 11 goals in their last six games in all competitions.
The Blues have not kept a clean sheet since November 23 and they have dropped four points off the pace at the top of the Premier League as a result, with fans beginning to question the defensive solidity of the back three.
One potential target is Sevilla's Jules Kounde, who was rumoured with a move to Stamford Bridge in the summer, though one never materialised.
The club were reportedly in direct talks with Sevilla regarding a possible transfer, but the two clubs were unable to agree on a fee.
Chelsea were expected to return for the 23-year-old next summer, with one of Rudiger or Christensen likely to leave and the need to find a long-term successor to Thiago Silva. Cesar Azpilicueta is also in the final year of his contract.
However, reports now suggest that a January move is not out of the realms of possibility as Tuchel seeks to fast-track his defensive shake-up.
According to ESPN, Sevilla are willing to drop their €80million (£68million) valuation of the defender, which could allow the Blues to swoop in and make a move before next summer, as was initially believed.
They are now reportedly willing to accept a fee in the region of €50 million to €60 million (£42.5million to £51million), with the defender now in the final two-and-a-half years of his contract.
The report says a move in the summer is more likely than in January, but given Chelsea's defensive needs and struggles, Tuchel could accelerate a potential transfer if the price drops sufficiently.
Kounde is also said to be keen on a move to Stamford Bridge and has agreed a rough contract of four or five years in preparation for a transfer.
The report adds Barcelona are monitoring the Azpilicueta situation, which could provide room on the wage bill to sign Kounde next month.
Tuchel is reportedly a huge admirer of Kounde, dating back to when he was Paris Saint-German manager when Kounde was at Bordeaux.
Lille's Sven Botman and Wolfsburg's Maxence Lacroix are also said to be targets as Tuchel looks to strengthen his backline.
