Chelsea 'contact AC Milan over the availability of Theo Hernandez'

Chelsea have reportedly made contact with AC Milan over a deal for left-back Theo Hernandez, but the Italian giants have slapped a £50million price tag on the French defender.

Blues boss Thomas Tuchel is desperate to strengthen at left-back after Ben Chilwell was ruled out for the rest of the campaign with an ACL injury, with the German unconvinced by Marcos Alonso.

Lucas Digne, Nicolas Tagliafico, Sergino Dest and Ian Maatsen have all been linked with moves to Stamford Bridge next month, while Hernandez is also understood to be among Chelsea's transfer options.

And according to Tuttosport via Football Italia, the European champions have contacted the Serie A side over the Frenchman's availability next month.

Hernandez, regarded as one of the best full backs in Europe, is contracted to the San Siro club until 2024 and is currently in talks over a contract extension to keep him with the Italians until 2026.

As a result, Milan have slapped a hefty price tag of £50m on the former Real Madrid star, which could dissuade the Blues from making a move in January.

No official negotiation has begun and Milan chiefs are understood to be against selling Hernandez, who has also been linked with moves to Manchester City and PSG.

Chelsea and Milan have had good transfer dealings over the years, with Olivier Giroud, Fikayo Tomori and Tiemoue Bakayoko all moving from west London to Italy, although players have rarely moved from the San Siro to Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, Milan are in the market for a central defender with the club looking for cover after Simon Kjaer was ruled out for the rest of the season.

Chelsea's Andreas Christensen is reportedly a target, with the Dane's contract at the Blues set to expire next summer.