Chelsea are seeking a new defensive midfield signing this year.
Monaco midfielder Aurelien Tchouameni is being scouted.
Goal says West Ham and England midfielder Declan Rice, 22, remains a potential target but they won't move for both with academy graduate Conor Gallagher, 21, viewed as part of their midfield going forward.
Gallagher has performed well during his loan spell at Selhurst Park with his early season form winning him a first England cap in the World Cup qualifier with San Marino in November.
Tchouameni, who joined Monaco from Bordeaux in January 2020, is a more established international, with seven outings for France since he made his debut back in September.
He was part of the side that won the UEFA Nations League back in October, starting the 2-1 win over Spain in the final at the San Siro.
Tchouameni has featured in 28 matches for Monaco this season, scoring two goals, and has profited from the midfield expertise of team-mate Cesc Fabregas.
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