Chelsea optimistic they will sign an elite centre back THIS MONTH

Chelsea are cautiously optimistic they will sign an elite centre back this month – and it should not be seen as two fingers being stuck up at Liam Rosenior's predecessor Enzo Maresca.

A narrative developed suggesting Maresca was denied a central-defensive signing in the summer following Levi Colwill’s ACL injury. However, Daily Mail Sport has learned Chelsea were already scouting such targets who suited the ‘central centre back’ profile long before Colwill’s issue.

Dean Huijsen at Bournemouth was targeted, for example, and Chelsea were confident they had him until Real Madrid joined the race. The 20-year-old Spain international chose Real because it was his dream move as the La Liga giants activated his £50million release clause.

Chelsea searched for an alternative to Huijsen but did not bring in a defender as there was no obvious upgrade available who they believed would impact their starting line-up, which we are told is seen as a crucial factor when considering committing to a signing.

It is suspected Maresca’s public admission that the club craved a centre back may have also hindered their position, though ultimately, those targets whom they were tracking were seen as unattainable at that time.

Chelsea are now intensifying talks over candidates in what would be a boost to Rosenior.

There is interest in Jeremy Jacquet of Rennes and Jacobo Ramon of Como, though there are other names on their shortlist who have yet to be revealed by sources.

Any signing would have to complement Colwill, who remains in their long-term plans and could potentially return before the end of the season.

While a centre back is the priority, Daily Mail Sport has been told Chelsea would not be against moving for a midfielder or attacker if the proper opportunity arose. Club chiefs are currently looking into whether summer targets can be accelerated into this January window.

Meanwhile, Facundo Buonanotte’s loan from Brighton was terminated as he joined Leeds instead.

Chelsea’s logic in signing Buonanotte, who largely went unused in his six months at Stamford Bridge, was that it was better to bring in a loanee than force a long-term mistake if the attackers they truly appreciated were not available in the last window.