Chelsea are hoping to beat Manchester United and sign Sporting Lisbon star Ousmane Diomande

After spending a huge amount of money on a number of attackers this summer, Chelsea are expected to rebuild their backline next year and one or two centre-backs are expected to be their priority, especially given the injury issues surrounding their current options.

Levi Colwill’s setback will rule him out for much of the ongoing campaign, while Wesley Fofana isn’t the most reliable either. The question is also whether Benoit Badiashile and Tosin Adarabioyo, among others, are good enough to lead Chelsea to victory.

TEAMtalk has received a message that Sporting Lisbon centre-back Ousmane Diomande has emerged as a serious option for the Blues, who want to outdo Crystal Palace in his signing, with the Eagles eyeing him as a replacement for Marc Guehi.

Manchester United have also been linked With a move to Diomande since last year and Harry Maguire now in his 30s, it wouldn’t be a surprise if the Red Devils reignite their interest in signing him alongside Chelsea next year.

Ruben Amorim has already worked with the Ivorian international at Sporting Lisbon, so he hopes United have the upper hand in signing the player, but Chelsea’s attractive project coupled with better money could shift the balance in their favor.

Diomande deal possible for cheap

Sporting Lisbon value Ousmane Diomande at £45 million and although they are in talks over a contract extension, failure to do so would mean the 21-year-old is available on a bargain deal next year as he enters the final 12 months of his existing contract.

Ousmane Diomande would be a welcome addition to the Premier League. His aerial skills, physicality, intelligent knowledge of the game and tackling, in addition to the ability to distribute the ball from the back, will help him establish himself well in England.

Chelsea will be confident of waiting out competition from Crystal Palace and Manchester United, but if better players become available in due course The Blues certainly shift the focus to persuading Diomande.