Chelsea 'set to sign former Lille defender Malang Sarr on four-year deal'

Chelsea are poised to sign defender Malang Sarr on a four-year deal, according to reports in France.

Telefoot claim the 21-year-old centre-back, who is a France youth international, will undergo a medical in London this week.

Sarr made 20 appearances for Lille during the 2019-20 season, but became a free agent in June after turning down a new contract with the Ligue 1 club.

Blues boss Frank Lampard is determined to improve his defensive options this summer after the club conceded 79 goals in all competitions last season, and Sarr cound be one of multiple new recruits to arrive at Stamford Bridge.

Thiago Silva is expected to join Chelsea on a one-year deal in a surprise move from Champions League finalists Paris Saint-Germain.

Silva’s contract expired following Sunday night’s gut-wrenching defeat by Bayern Munich, meaning the Brazilian is available on a free transfer.

The veteran will turn 36 next month, but Lampard believes a player of Silva's experience will significantly improve the backline.

Silva won seven Ligue 1 titles over eight seasons at PSG, and he bid the club's suppporters farewell after the loss in Lisbon.

'It was my last game in Paris. I am sad. I apologise to the fans,' Silva said following the 1-0 defeat against Bayern.

'I thank all the fans for their love. I will return to Paris and this club that I love in another role.

'I want to play three to four years still and be part of Brazil team in the Qatar World Cup.'