Chelsea have opened talks for VfL Bochum defender Armel Bella-Kotchap.

The Sun says the 18-year-old defender has lit up Bundesliga 2 since signing his first senior contract with VfL Bochum in March last year.

After just eight league appearances this season, the Germany U18 international is now worth £6.5million after several stand-out performances.

And Chelsea are leading the way to sign Bella-Kotchap having already made contact with the player's representatives ahead of a potential summer switch.

Manchester United, Manchester City, Tottenham, Barcelona and Real Madrid are also keeping tabs on the situation with the Paris-born teenager.

Wolves and Sheffield United are interested as well.