Chelsea take lead in race to sign 28-year-old Real Madrid target: Reports

Chelsea are leading the race to sign defender Jonathan Tah from Bayer Leverkusen, as per Caught Offside (via Football Talk). The Germany international has been linked with a host of European clubs recently as he enters the final few months of his contract with the defending Bundesliga champions.

Tah has yet to pen a new deal with Leverkusen, which has put him on the radar of several top clubs in Europe as he could be available on a free next summer. The centre-back will also be eligible to sign a pre-contract in January.

Real Madrid have been heavily linked with a move for Tah as they look to fix their defensive crisis. Manchester United, Tottenham Hotspur, and Chelsea have also reportedly shown interest in the defender. But as per the aforementioned report, the Blues are leading the race to sign him on a free transfer next summer.

Enzo Maresca will be eager to strengthen his side’s defense in the upcoming transfer windows. While the Blues have been scoring goals with ease this season, they have struggled at the back, conceding 13 in the league.

Maresca’s centre-back options include Wesley Fofana, Levi Colwill, Benoit Badashile, Tosin Adarabioyo, and Axel Disasi. Judging by experience and ability, Jonathan Tah would be a big defensive upgrade for the London club.

The defender has amassed over 370 appearances in the German top-flight for Bayer Leverkusen. He has also contributed 15 goals and 12 assists in that period on top of his defensive contributions. Chelsea's resurgence under Maresca could further convince Tah to join the five-time Premier League champions.

Juventus interested in signing Chelsea defender – reports

As per a report by Gazzetta dello Sport, Italian giants Juventus are interested in signing Chelsea centre-back Benoit Badiashile. The 23-year-old is on the club’s shortlist for defensive reinforcement in the January transfer window.

Badiashile joined the Blues last summer from AS Monaco but has yet to establish himself as a regular at the club. He has featured sparingly this term under manager Enzo Maresca.

Nine of his appearances so far have come in cup games, with the defender featuring just once in the league, a 37-minute cameo against Liverpool on October 20.

However, the Frenchman recently spoke about his future at Stamford Bridge and admitted that he was ready to fight for his place in the team. He said (via Football London):

"Of course I want to stay - Chelsea is a big club and I know how difficult it is to succeed here," Badiashile is quoted saying earlier this month. "I will try to do my best to do it."

Badiashile is contracted to Chelsea until 2030. He has registered two goals and an assist in 41 outings for the Blues.