Chelsea ready to join race for French defender?

Chelsea could join the race to sign Sevilla defender Loic Bade at the end of the season, according to Spanish outlet Fichajes.

The Blues have struggled in the defensive department this campaign, and they have failed to keep regular clean sheets in the Premier League.

Manager Enzo Maresca will demand another centre-back for next season and reports claim that Bade could emerge as a possible target.

The Frenchman has been a key player for Sevilla over the past couple of years, but he has been linked with a return to English football.

Bade did not make a single appearance in his short loan spell at Nottingham Forest, but he seems open to returning to the Premier League.

Liverpool and Aston Villa have already been credited with an interest and Chelsea could now join the pursuit of the highly-rated defender.

Sevilla have had another tough campaign in La Liga and are presently 12th. They could be willing to offload Bade for around £33 million.