The January transfer window is well underway and Chelsea fans will be eager to see their side strengthen as they look to get back into the Premier League title race.
With Ben Chilwell likely to be sidelined for the remainder of the season, a new left-back is thought to be high on Thomas Tuchel's wish list and, after a falling out with manager Rafa Benitez, Everton's Lucas Digne was reportedly targeted.
However, reports have no suggested that the Frenchman is likely to join Aston Villa in this window.
According to Sky Sports' Rob Dorsett, Chelsea didn't pursue their initial interest and Digne is now set to move to the Birmingham-based outfit.
Transfer guru Fabrizio Romano has also reported that Tuchel is more interested in bringing Emerson Palmieri back from his current loan with Lyon.
Meanwhile, Ian Maatsen, 19, has spent the last two seasons on loan with Charlton and Coventry, producing encouraging form for both.
He made his one and only senior Chelsea appearance during the 2019/20 campaign, and would face a big step if here were to return to Stamford Bridge this month.
But Emerson and Maatsen aren't the only options potentially available to the Blues.
With that in mind, here's a few players they could consider as replacements for the injured Chilwell.
Nicolas Tagliafico
A number of Premier League clubs have been linked with Tagliafico previously.
The 29-year-old has just 18 months to run on his contract and with a wealth of European experience with Ajax, he would likely be a solid alternative to Marcos Alonso if he arrives in west London.
Sergino Dest
Dest is primarily used in the right-back position but the Barcelona defender has been deployed on the left side of defence too.
He remains under contract at Barca until 2025, yet the Spanish club need to raise funds amid their financial crisis, and given that Dani Alves is set to return next month, they may be tempted to cash in on their less-experienced defender this month.
Alex Sandro
Like Tagliafico, 30-year-old Brazilian Sandro would provide an experienced head.
He has been a stalwart in the Juventus side since joining from Porto six years ago.
But with his contract expiring in the summer of 2023, the Serie A giants may be forced into a sale to risk avoiding losing him on a free at the end of next season.
