Chelsea are set to step up their efforts to agree a new contract with Antonio Rudiger, according to the Daily Mail.
Rudiger has played just 45 minutes this season because of injury but the club are reportedly keen to cement his long-term future at Stamford Bridge.
The Mail say Chelsea plan to “accelerate” contract talks with Rudiger, whose current deal has two years left to run.
Chelsea are said to be keen to extend that deal because of fears they could lose the German if they do not do so.
The Mail say Chelsea are “concerned rival clubs will look to take advantage of any uncertainty at the end of the season” and the newspaper also suggest Manchester City and Tottenham will both be in the market for a new centre-back next summer.
Rudiger battled his way back from a knee problem but a pelvic injury meant he had to be substituted at half-time during his comeback game against Wolves.
He had surgery last week and Blues boss Frank Lampard said at a recent press conference that he hoped to have the player back as soon as possible.
Lampard said: “He had an operation and he’s going to be out probably for around three weeks.
“Then we’ll have to see where the match fitness comes in, because it’s a long time Toni’s been out now.
“But it was nice to get something definitive about it. We’ve been trying to find a solution.
“Toni’s been having some issues and it’s not easy for a player in that position.
“Hopefully in three weeks’ time we’ll be in a lot better place.”