Transfer Talk: De Ligt release clause could halt Blues bid

Chelsea are interested in Juventus centre-back Matthijs de Ligt — but his release clause may prove out of reach.

The Blues are in desperate need of reinforcements at the back following the recent departures of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen.

And De Ligt, 22, is close to the top of their list, according to Sky Italia.

Juve signed the Dutch international for £67.5million in 2019 and Ajax’s youngest ever captain has two years left on his contract in Turin.

Though the Italian giants would be willing to sell De Ligt, they would want to fetch close to his £103m release clause.

He has made 117 appearances for Juve since making the move, winning Serie A in his first season and the Coppa Italia in his second.

But that hefty fee may prove too much for the Blues, despite their recent takeover and the impending loaning of Romelu Lukaku back to Inter Milan.

Sevilla centre-back Jules Kounde is another name they are routinely linked with and it is thought the Frenchman, 23, would be available for much less.

In other news

Manchester United have reportedly increased their bid for Barcelona midfielder Frenkie de Jong to £55.8m, but Marca believe the Catalans are holding out for £64m.

Sky Sports report that Christian Eriksen is deciding between a switch to Manchester United or staying put at Brentford.

According to AS, Manchester United, Chelsea and Tottenham are all considering moves for Yannick Carrasco after it was revealed the Belgian has a £51m release clause at Atletico Madrid.