Chelsea are ready to invoke a buy-back option and take Nathan Ake back to Stamford Bridge from Bournemouth, according to the Sunday Express.
Tottenham are keen on the Dutchman, who has impressed since Chelsea sold him to Bournemouth in the summer of 2017 after his spell on loan on the south coast.
A clause in that deal gives Chelsea first option on Ake and enables them to buy him for £40m if the Cherries are prepared to sell.
And the Sunday Express say he is among the players Chelsea are looking to snap up when the transfer window reopens in January.
That could see them beat Tottenham to the signing of the Netherlands international, who has also been linked with Manchester United.
Reports also suggest Chelsea are close to a deal to sign Borussia Dortmund star Christian Pulisic.
United States international Pulisic, 20, has been linked with other Premier League clubs, including Liverpool.
But it seems Chelsea have won the race to sign him – further adding to their abundance of attacking midfield options.
Pulisic is regarded as one of the game’s brightest prospects and has been touted as a possible long-term replacement for Eden Hazard at the Bridge.