Chelsea keeping tabs on Bayern Munich defender?

Chelsea are reportedly keeping tabs on Bayern Munich defender Benjamin Pavard, who has his sights on a fresh challenge.

The Frenchman was heavily linked with a move away from the German champions last summer but eventually decided to stay.

However, he is now reconsidering his position and could push for a fresh challenge at the end of the ongoing campaign.

Pavard could be available for a fee of around £26m and reports claim Chelsea and Barcelona are interested in him.

The Blues have lacked a quality back-up behind right-back Reece James, who has been injury-prone for the past few years.

Pavard could provide valuable competition from the full-back role, but he can also feature in central defence with ease.

Meanwhile, Barcelona could make him their first-choice right-back next term with a number of players likely to leave.

The likes of Hector Bellerin and Sergi Roberto could leave on free transfers when their contracts expiring at the end of the season.