Chelsea are ready to rekindle their interest in Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule when the transfer window reopens in January, sources close to the German club have told ESPN FC.
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte is looking to bring in another central defender to add to his options as he aims to maintain his side's push for the Premier League title. However, they could face competition from Bayern Munich, who are also weighing up a move for the player.
A number of names, including Burnley's Michael Keane, Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson and Roma's Antonio Rudiger, have been linked with moves to Chelsea, but Sule is seen as Chelsea's top target.
The Blues have held a long-term in Sule and tried to sign the 21-year-old in the summer transfer window only for the player to remain at Hoffenheim.
Sule has impressed for high-flying Hoffenheim this season and has been playing in a back three similar to that employed by Chelsea which makes him an even more attractive proposition to Conte following his successful switch to a 3-4-3 system at Stamford Bridge.
Chelsea have made defensive reinforcements one of their top priorities during the next two transfer windows as they plan for the future with John Terry and Branislav Ivanovic both out of contract next summer.