Chelsea have reportedly stepped up their interest in Porto defender Alex Telles.
While Frank Lampard currently has Marcos Alonso and Emerson Palmieri as options at left-back, one of the duo is expected to leave Stamford Bridge during the next transfer window.
Earlier this month, it was claimed that Telles had been identified as the preferred replacement having starred for the Portuguese giants.
According to A Bola, Chelsea have now made contact with Porto regarding a potential deal for the 27-year-old, who has less than 16 months left on his contract.
The report suggests that a summer switch to West London is "inevitable", despite Porto making every effort to extend the Brazil international's contract.
Telles has contributed eight goals and five assists from 23 outings in Portugal's top flight this season.
