Chelsea are ready to join the battle for RB Leipzig defender Dayot Upamecano.

The 22-year-old signed a new Leipzig deal last year which contains a release clause of around £40million, a low fee for one of Europe's emerging young defenders.

The Daily Mail says the Blues have become the latest club to express an interest in activating the clause, which becomes effective in the summer, in Upamecano's contract.

Leipzig are determined to hold onto Upamecano this month, despite the opportunity to secure a higher price closer to his market value, leaving a summer move a more likely prospect for his suitors.

Thiago Silva and Kurt Zouma have emerged as Frank Lampard's preferred central defensive partnership this season.

But with summer signing Silva, 36, and doubts over the futures of Antonio Rudiger, Andreas Christensen and Fikayo Tomori, Chelsea remain on the lookout for long-term options.