Chelsea look set to lose out in their pursuit of Hoffenheim's Niklas Sule.

Reports suggest that German giants Bayern Munich will win the race for the 21-year-old defender who is again a key target for the Blues.

Antonio Conte had made Sule a defensive priority for the winter transfer window and was set to offer £30million but German publication Bild says Bayern will beat the Premier League side and land the towering centre-half.

It is understood that the Bavarian powerhouse have agreed an undisclosed fee with Hoffenheim for the sale of Sule which is expected to take place early next month.

Chelsea will now look elsewhere to strengthen their defence as they prepare to make amendments to a squad that already sits seven points clear at the top of the Premier League table.