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Celtic are reportedly leading the chase for highly-rated Chelsea defender Tomas Kalas.

The 18-times capped Czech international, currently on loan at Bristol City, has been a mainstay in the Robins defence this season as they chase a Premier League play-off place.

And Neil Lennon is said to be eyeing up a permanent deal for the stopper as he builds for European football next season.

With Dedryck Boyata expected to move on and Felip Benkovic and Jeremy Toljan due to return to their parent clubs, the Hoops are already planning for defensive reinforcements.

Lennon met with Celtic head of recruitment Lee Congerton this week to discuss potential signings to ensure their defence stays watertight.

Rangers are also being linked with the defender, who can play at centre-back or right-back, with Steven Gerrard reported to be keen on the 25-year-old.

Record Sport Online have taken a closer look at the sought after stopper.

Who is he?

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Kalas was born in Olomouc and started his career with his hometown side Sigma Olomouc.

After impressing scouts, he signed for Chelsea for a reported £5.2 million in 2010.

Kalas is currently Chelsea's longest serving player, having been at the Blues since 2010 - however he's only ever started TWO Premier League matches.

The defender made his Champions League debut for Jose Mourinho's men in 2014, coming on as a late substitute against Galatasaray in their round-of-16 tie.

He went on to make his Premier League debut at Anfield against Liverpool shortly afterwards, playing the full 90 minutes in a memorable 2-0 win.

Despite impressing, he was sent on loan to FC Koln soon after that for more regular game time.

In total Kalas has been farmed out seven times to gain senior experience. As well as Bristol City, Kalas has had spells on loan at Fulham, Middlebrough, FC Koln (twice), Vitesse Arnham and back at his first club Sigma.

City is where he has made the biggest impact, making 34 appearances for the Robins this season as they chase the play-offs - currently sitting in seventh.

What would he bring?

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Kalas is strong-willed and confident. Mourinho praised the defender for dealing with everything Liverpool threw at him when he made his debut at Anfield in 2014, especially on such a big occasion.

More recently for the Robins, Bristol Live have reported how well he has dealt with physical strikers, including Patrick Bamford in their recent loss to Leeds United.

As well as strength, the adaptable defender also possesses pace which makes him equally comfortable in the full back area.

Kalas is also very experienced at international level, having featured for the Czech Republic since making his debut in 2012.

He helped his country qualify for Euro 2016, playing against Holland in a vital 3-2 win, and has two goals to date suggesting he has a decent eye for goal too.

How likely is a move?

(Image: Getty Images)

Celtic were first linked to the six foot defender in November last year, with a potential January move considered.

Now it looks like he may make the move north of the border, with a taste of more European football set to tempt the defender.

Bristol City are also keen to keep hold of him having impressed throughout the season, and if they make it into the Premier League next season he may be keen to stay down down south.

The man himself does appear to be keen for a move away from Chelsea, explaining to Bristol Live: "Obviously I wish that I could find a club to settle down at for a long time."