Chelsea have begun negotiations with Zenit St Petersburg over a potential move for Ezequiel Garay, according to the Daily Star.
Everton's John Stones is the player manager Jose Mourinho wants to strengthen his defensive department but he wants to have a backup plan if he fails to sign the 21-year-old.
Stones has handed in a transfer request but Manchester United are also tracking the Englishman.
Garay is also a target for the Red Devils with Arsenal also monitoring the situation.