Chelsea 'identify Niklas Sule as David Alaba alternative'

Chelsea have reportedly made contact with Bayern Munich over a move for defender Niklas Sule as they accept defeat in their pursuit of David Alaba.

The Blues are one of a number of teams to have showed an interest in Alaba, who is expected to join Real Madrid when his Bayern contract expires in June.

German outlet Bild reports that Chelsea are now eyeing up Alaba's teammate Sule as an alternative.

However, the 25-year-old is under contract at the Allianz Arena until the end of next season and is said to be valued at €30m (£26.42m).

It is claimed that Chelsea owner Roman Abramovich is likely to sanction the move for 29-cap Germany international Sule, whom Thomas Tuchel knows well from his time in the Bundesliga.