Chelsea are being encouraged to bid for Lens fullback Jonathan Clauss.

It's emerged Chelsea scouted Clauss 50 times over the past season and they see him as a replacement for wantaway captain Cesar Azpilicueta.

Lens have already prepared to lose Clauss by bringing in fellow fullback Jimmy Cabot from Angers.

Chelsea are expected to continue operating with a 3-4-3 system next season and manager Thomas Tuchel wants some additional cover and competition for Reece James at right wing-back.

The Daily Express says while expressing their interest in a deal, Chelsea are yet to totally commit to signing the player.

Lens are understood to be looking for between £8.5million and £10m in order to agree to a sale but they are more than prepared to do business, following the capture of Cabot.