Chelsea are edging closer to bidding for Bayern Munich defender Niklas Sule.

The Germany international has made 16 starts in the Bundesliga this season and Abendzeitung reports Bayern may look to cash in with Sule's contract expiring in 2022.

The Bundesliga champions have been stung by David Alaba's contract stand-off and may look to avoid a similar dilemma with Sule.

"You have to see what package we can offer a player," former Bayern star and current board member Oliver Kahn said.

"FC Bayern has an excellent squad that can win all titles. And this wonderful city! What more do you want as a player?"

Chelsea have been alerted to Sule's contract stand-off and could make a £30m swoop for the defender, who has won four league titles, the Champions League, two German Cups and the Club World Cup during his stint in Bavaria.