Chelsea are considering moving for Germany left-back Jonas Hector this summer, according to the Sun.
The 26-year-old signed a new contract with FC Koln side last week but the Blues are still determined to make an offer to add him to Antonio Conte's squad.
The Italian has personally asked the club to make contact with Die Geißböcke to understand if they would be willing to sell for £20million.
Conte wants to have a reliable backup for regular left-back Cesar Azpilicueta and has identified the German as a priority target.
At the start of the summer transfer window, sporting director Jorg Schmadtke made it clear that £16million may not be enough to secure the services of the defender.
"There has not been any direct contact with Barcelona over Hector," Schmadtke told Kicker.
"I cannot say €18 million is not enough for him, because I never received such an offer.
"I have not spoken with anyone at Barcelona. I know that Barcelona were interested in Hector, but there is nothing more to it.
"His agent told me there was some interest. I told him to speak with Barca and return when things got more concrete. He never returned to me."
