Chelsea are interested in Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt - knowing his contract carries a buyout clause.

The Daily Star says De Ligt has a 'special release clause' in his contract at Juventus that becomes active in the summer of 2022.

The release clause will allow clubs to sign the Dutch international defender for 150million Euros or £130million from the end of the current season.

The Italian giants landed his signature two years ago from Ajax but could now lose him to the European champions, Chelsea.

Chelsea are interested in De Ligt as they continue to pursue a new central defender, having missed out on signing Sevilla's Jules Kounde in the summer.