Chelsea are determined to beat Everton to the signing of Hoffenheim defender Niklas Sule.

The Sunday Mirror says Goodison Park gaffer Ronald Koeman is interested in both Sule and his team-mate Sebastian Rudy.

But he will face competition from Conte, who enquired about signing the player in the summer, and German big dogs Bayern Munich as the Italian looks to strengthen what is fast becoming a formidable defence.

David Luiz, Gary Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta have been exceptional in recent weeks — they hadn't conceded in six Premier League games prior to yesterday's clash with Tottenham.

Chelsea won't be caught cold if their rivals step up their interest and have been keeping tabs on his performances again this season.

Sule was a member of the German Olympic Squad which won silver and is tipped to become a mainstay of national team.