Chelsea are reportedly planning to mount another move for Hoffenheim centre-back Niklas Sule. The Blues are said to have made an approach for the German over the summer but their offer for the 21-year-old was unsuccessful.

With the January transfer window around the corner it’s understood Chelsea are now readying a second bid. Sule has impressed in the Bundesliga and Antonio Conte is keen to add to his defensive options as his side pushes for the title, ESPN reports.

Chelsea are unlikely to be alone in the pursuit of the Germany international, however. Bayern Munich are similarly weighing up a move for the player.

Meanwhile, Branislav Ivanovic has emerged as a potential January transfer target for Juventus with defenders Dani Alves and Leonardo Bonucci both sidelined through injury. The Italians have been left short at the back as a result and, according to the Telegraph, Ivanovic is high on Juve’s wanted list.

The 32-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and fears he may not be given a new deal after losing his place in Conte’s team.

But with the Serbian providing valuable cover at right-back and centre-back, Conte will be unwilling to let the defender leave this January.

Finally, Inter Milan’s sporting director has dismissed “absurd” talk of a move for Chelsea’s Diego Costa.

The Spain international was regularly linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge during the summer transfer window with Serie A and La Liga both mooted as potential destinations.

Milan have been the latest club to be linked to Costa but Piero Ausilio has denied claims that the club are readying a move for the 28-year-old.