Chelsea are set to get a clear run at Ajax defender Gregory van der Wiel.
The Guardian says reports in Germany suggest Bayern Munich, the defender's other principal suitor, have dropped their interest.
Van der Wiel, 23, has long featured on the Chelsea wish-list as they look to revitalise their squad following the January purchases of Fernando Torres and David Luiz.
The Dutchman's arrival would cast doubt over the futures of Paulo Ferreira and José Bosingwa - the latter will be entering the final 12 months of his contract - though the club had anticipated moving some senior players on anyway.
