Chelsea are reportedly preparing to do battle with Newcastle United and Roma to secure the signature of Red Bull Salzburg defender Amar Dedic in the New Year.
The 21-year-old came through the ranks at Salzburg's youth academy and spent a season on loan at Wolfsberger AC before returning to the Austrian Bundesliga.
Dedic has been in good form, scoring five goals and providing three assists in 25 appearances, while he has also captained the side 17 times this season.
According to The Sun, Chelsea have been keeping a close eye on the defender and have also sent scouts to all of his Champions League matches and several of his Euro 2024 qualifiers for Bosnia this season.
The report adds that Newcastle are also in the mix for the 21-year-old and have scouted him during a few league matches for Red Bull Salzburg.
Jose Mourinho's Roma made a bid believed to be in the region of £21.5m in an attempt to sign Dedic last summer, which Salzburg turned down.
It is understood that Dedic could provide cover for Chelsea's captain Reece James, who has been struggling with a recurring hamstring injury.
Dedic signed a new contract in January, tying him down with the Austrian champions until 2027.
Devesh Jaganath
