Chelsea have earmarked a centre-half as one of their big signings in the close season. John Stones and Marquinhos have been on the wish-list for some time but they also plan to move for Atletico Madrid’s rising star Jose Gimenez.

Standard Sport understands the 21-year-old was a target last summer and was actually wanted ahead of Stones, who stayed at Everton after they rejected four bids.

The Uruguay international has played a key role in helping Atletico challenge at the top of La Liga this term.

It is another reason why Chelsea, who also have a long-standing interest in Gimenez’s team-mates Koke and Antoine Griezmann, want Diego Simeone to become their next manager, as he could convince them to come with him to west London.

What to expect from Chelsea before the transfer window shuts 8 show all What to expect from Chelsea before the transfer window shuts 1/8 What could happen? Chelsea have been unwilling to meet Shakhtar Donetsk’s asking price of £38m for Alex Teixeira, but the threat from Liverpool could lead to a change of heart. 2/8 What could happen? The club will let Loic Remy leave once the deal for Alexandre Pato — a loan with a view to a permanent move in the summer — is completed and Newcastle are the favourites to sign the striker, on a temporary basis. 3/8 What could happen? Radamel Falcao may also be allowed to return to Monaco after a disastrous spell on loan. 4/8 What could happen? Youngsters Patrick Bamford and Charly Musonda are also set to depart on a temporary basis. 5/8 What’s happened so far? The imminent sale of Ramires for £25m to Jiangsu Suning is a shock development and does provide welcome funds. 6/8 What’s happened so far? After playing just one minute for the club this term, Papy Djilobodji has joined Werder Bremen on loan, while Christian Atsu has also been loaned out again to Malaga. 2015 Getty Images 7/8 What’s happened so far? But a move for Everton defender John Stones has been put on hold for the summer, while their interest in Leicester striker Jamie Vardy has cooled. 8/8 How busy will they be? 3/5 1/8 What could happen? Chelsea have been unwilling to meet Shakhtar Donetsk’s asking price of £38m for Alex Teixeira, but the threat from Liverpool could lead to a change of heart. 2/8 What could happen? The club will let Loic Remy leave once the deal for Alexandre Pato — a loan with a view to a permanent move in the summer — is completed and Newcastle are the favourites to sign the striker, on a temporary basis. 3/8 What could happen? Radamel Falcao may also be allowed to return to Monaco after a disastrous spell on loan. 4/8 What could happen? Youngsters Patrick Bamford and Charly Musonda are also set to depart on a temporary basis. 5/8 What’s happened so far? The imminent sale of Ramires for £25m to Jiangsu Suning is a shock development and does provide welcome funds. 6/8 What’s happened so far? After playing just one minute for the club this term, Papy Djilobodji has joined Werder Bremen on loan, while Christian Atsu has also been loaned out again to Malaga. 2015 Getty Images 7/8 What’s happened so far? But a move for Everton defender John Stones has been put on hold for the summer, while their interest in Leicester striker Jamie Vardy has cooled. 8/8 How busy will they be? 3/5

With captain Terry expected to get another contract and Zouma’s form, the arrival of another defender will leave Cahill in an even more vulnerable situation.

Meanwhile, Juventus have told Chelsea they want Juan Cuadrado on loan for another 12 months, rather than buy him outright.