Chelsea are leading the race to sign Germany and Bayer Leverkusen centre-back Jonathan Tah.
That's according to CaughtOffside, who on Sunday reported that the Blues have "entered into active negotiations over a deal" for the defender.
Tah was a key figure for Leverkusen last season as Xabi Alonso's side won the Bundesliga title without losing a game, but it is out of contract next summer and is free to talk to new clubs after the New Year.
The 28-year-old has already confirmed he will leave Leverkusen when his contract ends.
With the January transfer window fast approaching, Chelsea are now, according to CaughtOffside, "making early efforts to try to move into a strong position" for Tah, who is also attracting interest from Manchester United, Juventus, and Real Madrid.
Bayern, whom Tah came close to joining earlier this year, also remain interested in the Germany international.
Tah ready for a new challenge
Tah, who is valued at around £25 million, has been with Leverkusen the most of his professional career.
Since joining the club in 2015 from Hamburger SV, he's made 370 appearances for the Black and Reds, scoring 15 goals.
His time on the eastern bank of the Rhine almost came to an end in the summer when he put pen to paper on a five-year deal with rivals Bayern, but the deal collapsed because the Bavarians were unable to agree a fee with Leverkusen for the defender.
Following the collapsed move, Tah confirmed in September that he would not sign a new deal at the BayArena.
"A football career is short, so it's always been my idea to make the most out of it. I want to unlock my full potential," he said in an interview, according to transfer guru Fabrizio Romano. "I won’t sign a new deal with Bayer Leverkusen; the decision is made."
He added: "I will give my best until the end here, and then we’ll see about my next club. But my decision is to leave."
Chelsea also want Marmoush
Tah isn't the only Bundesliga player the Blues are reportedly keen on.
According to recent reports from CaughtOffside, Chelsea are also chasing Eintracht Frankfurt striker Omar Marmoush.
The Egyptian is the Bundesliga's joint top scorer this term with 11 goals, while he's also registered more assists than any other player with seven. Together, it means that the 25-year-old is currently averaging a goal contribution every 39 minutes in the German top flight.
CaughtOffside claimed that Marmoush, who began his senior career in his home country with Wadi Degla, would be allowed to leave Frankfurt next summer for a fee of around £33.5 million.
Frankfurt sporting director Markus Krosche, however, has since confirmed otherwise, telling Welt TV that "won't be enough."
"Of course, there are always pain thresholds. There are sums where we, as a club, must consider whether it is the right moment and the right amount. But we are not there yet," Krosche explained.
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