Chelsea have reportedly started to make their move as they attempt to sign a 27-year-old Champions League defender.
There are already a number of central defenders in the Chelsea squad this season. While many of the Blues centre-backs have quality and potential, they may lack a world-class leader in the backline.
Alan Shearer questioned Chelsea’s defence because he’s not sure if they have a top-class centre-half.
The good news for the Blues is that Wesley Fofana is available against Leicester City on Sunday as the centre-back returns from an injury absence.
Chelsea step up interest in Feyenoord’s David Hancko
Feyenoord star David Hancko, 27, has been linked as a Chelsea target in recent months.
Back in December, Chelsea were named as suitors for Hancko as they were one of the clubs looking at the centre-back. The Slovakia international appears to be a popular target because of his impressive form for Feyenoord, who are fourth in the Eredivisie and competing in the last-16 of the Champions League.
According to TEAMtalk, Chelsea are tracking Feyenoord ace Hancko after highlighting him as a potential summer target.
Apparently, the Blues face competition from Tottenham, Atletico Madrid and Juventus for his signature. In fact, Atletico have made ‘important moves’ in recent days, while Juventus have had the most contact so far.
The report claims that Chelsea and Spurs have stepped up their interest in Hancko in recent weeks, particularly the Blues. Enzo Maresca’s side have made contact to gather more information on a potential deal.
TEAMtalk adds that Dutch giants Feyenoord want at least £42m for their left-footed centre-back.
David Hancko vs Levi Colwill
If Hancko becomes a Chelsea player next season, he’d surely be directly competing with Colwill to start as the left-sided central defender.
Here is a look at how the duo compare in their respective league form this season:
| Player | League | Appearances | Goals | Tackles won | Interceptions | Fouls | Yellow cards |
| David Hancko | Eredivisie | 23 | 3 | 22 | 19 | 10 | 5 |
| Levi Colwill | Premier Legue | 25 | 1 | 21 | 26 | 25 | 6 |
On top of the domestic form, Hancko has also been an integral figure for a Feyenoord side competing in the Champions League knockout rounds. In fact, he’s played every minute of the club’s 11 matches in Europe’s elite club competition so far this season.
Chelsea’s priority should be signing a slightly older and more experienced centre-half to help the younger players in the squad.
