While Chelsea continue to be linked with attack-minded players ahead of next season, there will come a time when Frank Lampard gives the green light for at least one new defender to arrive at Stamford Bridge.
According to reports in Germany, the Blues are showing an interest in signing Matthias Ginter from Borussia Monchengladbach.
The 26-year-old made 31 starts in the Bundesliga during the most recent campaign, helping Monchengladbach earn a return to the Champions League.
Although the Germany international still has two years remaining on his contract, Chelsea may be prepared to push hard to conclude a deal with Ginter also able to play at right-back and in central midfield.
With that in mind, Sports Mole looks at the shirt numbers that could be available to Ginter if he were to complete a transfer to Stamford Bridge.
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While Ginter has worn the number 28 shirt during the majority of his career, that would not be an option at Chelsea with Cesar Azpilicueta the occupant of that jersey.
That would leave the defensive-minded player having to look at alternatives, and the vacant number six appears to be the most suitable shirt currently available.
In theory, Chelsea may be open to putting together some sort of swap deal involving Andreas Christensen, who has previously made a positive impact at Monchengladbach during a loan spell.
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Should such an agreement be reached by the relevant parties, Ginter would be able to take the number four shirt, which he has worn while representing his country.
Taking over the vacant number 16 jersey would also seem a logical step, as would be the case with number five if Jorginho returned to Italy.
While Ginter has previously held number 38 during his time in Borussia Dortmund's second-string squad, it appears highly unlikely that he would take that jersey at this stage in his career.
Darren Plant
