La Liga champions Atletico Madrid are reportedly considering a move to sign Chelsea captain Cesar Azpilicueta.
Diego Simeone is now on the lookout to find a replacement for Kieran Trippier, who is closing in on a permanent transfer back to England with Newcastle United.
According to AS, Atletico have identified Azpilicueta as an ideal candidate to fill the void set to be left behind by Trippier and they are pondering a formal approach for the Spain international in the coming weeks.
The report adds that the 32-year-old's versatility to operate as either a right-back or centre-back is viewed as an attractive quality by Simeone.
Azpilicueta, who has spent the last nine-and-a-half years at Stamford Bridge, is out of contract in the summer and is free to sign pre-contract agreements with foreign clubs.
Chelsea are believed to have held talks with the Spaniard over extending his contract, with one report claiming that there is a 'growing positivity' at the club that he and his teammate Antonio Rudiger will commit their futures to Thomas Tuchel's side.
Oliver Thomas
