Chelsea tracking AC Milan defender

Chelsea had reportedly sent scouts to watch the performance of AC Milan centre-back Alessio Romagnoli during the cross-town derby against Inter Milan on Sunday.

The 23-year-old was initially a doubt for the Milan derby but he managed to make his league appearance from the off after passing a late fitness test.

Romagnoli thereafter produced a resolute showing at the heart of the backline but he was unable to prevent the club's defeat after Mauro Icardi popped up with the winner for Inter in injury-time.

According to Calciomercato, talent-spotters from Chelsea were keeping a close eye on the Milan captain, who has been earmarked as one of the prime options to bolster the central defensive department.

The Blues are currently facing some uncertainty with both Andreas Christensen and Gary Cahill being desperate for regular gametime and Romagnoli could be seen as a replacement for either next summer.

Cahill appears likely to leave on a free transfer when his contract expires at the end of the season whilst Christensen's agent has indicated that the centre-back may not stay with the Blues much longer with the reduced playing time on offer.