Chelsea and Dortmund to battle for England under-21 centre-back

Chelsea have emerged as surprise contenders to sign Toulouse centre-back Charlie Cresswell, as the Blues seek an alternative to injured Levi Colwill. Borussia Dortmund are also monitoring Charlie Cresswell and are understood to have already agreed a fee with the French club to sign the centre-back, whilst Chelsea will begin discussions this weekend.

The Stamford Bridge side have plenty of strength in depth in Tosin Adarabioyo, Josh Acheampong and Trevoh Chalobah, but manager Enzo Maresca is concerned that the club go into their second game short of options and the club's board believe a transfer fee of around £15 million might be enough to sign the 23-year-old.

Cresswell played 31 Ligue 1 games last season, scoring one goal, and before his current side came through the ranks at Leeds United, where he spent 11 years including his youth career.

The defender is known to be open to a return to England or transfer to Germany, aware that other young players have gone on to have excellent careers after being given the opportunity at Borussia Dortmund.