Not Koulibaly, Chelsea plot move for Napoli defender

Premier League holders Chelsea are weighing up a move for Napoli defender Faouzi Ghoulam, who is out-of-contract at the end of the season.

The Algeria international has stalled on talks over a fresh extension at Naples with the club reluctant to insert a low release clause of £30m in his contract.

As a result, the Serie A leaders are mulling over his potential sale in January rather than losing him on a free in less than eight months' time.

According to The Express, the Blues are planning an offer for Ghoulam having missed on the services of Juventus' Alex Sandro last summer.

Antonio Conte is still on the search for an effective competitor to Marcos Alonso at left wing-back, and Ghoulam appears to be the latest target.

However, they are likely to receive stiff competition from league rivals Liverpool and Manchester City whilst Atletico Madrid are also monitoring the proceedings.

Ghoulam has amassed nearly 150 appearances for Napoli since arriving from French club Saint-Etienne in the winter of 2014.