Chelsea 'step up their scouting of Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni'

Chelsea 'have stepped up their interest in Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni' with a view to a summer move - but the Blues 'also remain keen on Declan Rice.'

However, they won't sign both because Thomas Tuchel is reportedly keen to integrate Conor Gallagher, excelling on loan at Crystal Palace this season, into the squad.

France international Tchouameni, 21, has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge for some time and Chelsea are scouting him in detail.

According to Goal, this has now been deepened to include an analysis of his attitude and personal life with a view to buying him in the summer.

West Ham and England midfielder Rice, 22, remains a potential target but they won't move for both with academy graduate Gallagher, 21, viewed as part of their midfield going forward.

Gallagher has performed well during his loan spell at Selhurst Park with his early season form winning him a first England cap in the World Cup qualifier with San Marino in November.

Tchouameni, who joined Monaco from Bordeaux in January 2020, is a more established international, with seven outings for France since he made his debut back in September.

He was part of the side that won the UEFA Nations League back in October, starting the 2-1 win over Spain in the final at the San Siro.

Tchouameni has featured in 28 matches for Monaco this season, scoring two goals, and has profited from the midfield expertise of team-mate Cesc Fabregas.

Chelsea could face strong competition from the likes of Real Madrid, Liverpool, Manchester City, Juventus and Bayern Munich to sign the in-demand midfielder in the summer.

His Monaco contract doesn't expire until 2024 but the Ligue 1 club are reportedly willing to let him go at the end of the season if their asking price of £43million was met.