Chelsea planning swoop for Ousmane Diomande

Chelsea are planning to swoop for Sporting CP defender Ousmane Diomande when the transfer window reopens in January, according to Teamtalk.

The Blues suffered a huge setback last summer as Levi Colwill picked up a serious knee injury.

Despite this, the hierarchy decided against pursuing a new signing.

However, that could change in January, considering the Blues have been defensively vulnerable at times. 

Teamtalk claim that the Blues are now weighing up a move for Diomande, who could leave for 50 million.

Crystal Palace have also been interested in the Ivorian, and have earmarked him as Marc Guehi's replacement.

Guehi's current deal expires next summer. Palace are unlikely to sell him in January unless a successor is found.

Chelsea are presently second in the Premier League with 23 points, six adrift of league leaders Arsenal.

They are scheduled to host the Gunners at Stamford Bridge next weekend. Prior to that, they will welcome La Liga giants Barcelona in the Champions League on Tuesday night.