Two stars named on Xabi Alonso’s Chelsea transfer shortlist

Chelsea’s continuous quest for a new center defender continues, with the Blues aiming to offer Xabi Alonso a long-term partner for Levi Colwill in the summer transfer window.

Chelsea is still interested in Como centre back Jacobo Ramon, and Crystal Palace defender Maxence Lacroix is also on the club’s long list of targets.

Ramon, who played 37 games in all competitions for Cesc Fabregas in Italy last season, was evaluated by the west Londoners during the January transfer window.

However, Chelsea elected to pursue Jeremy Jacquet, who ultimately preferred a move to Premier League rivals Liverpool.

Sources say Chelsea’s interest in Ramon remains in the ongoing summer transfer window, with the Blues looking to find a long-term partner for Levi Colwill.

With still three years of his contract at Selhurst Park left to run, Palace are in a strong position, financially, when it comes to Lacroix.

Any deal for the sought-after French international is not expected to be cheap. Chelsea, sources say, are yet to make contact with Lacroix or Palace over a possible summer move.

The two central defenders are part of a long list of targets for Chelsea this summer, with adding and improving their centre-back options a priority for Xabi Alonso and the sporting leadership team.

Colwill remains front and centre of the club’s long-term plans, but finding the right man to partner the England international is the dilemma that needs to be solved this summer. There could, too, be outgoings at the back for the Blues.

The aforementioned Como have a keen interest in Chelsea defender Trevoh Chalobah, and the Blues will only allow the Cobham graduate to leave this summer if the price is right.

Sources insist Chalobah remains highly rated at the west London club as he approaches the final two years of his contract (with a club option for a further 12 months).