Chelsea defender Kurt Zouma has been linked with a loan move to Schalke.
The defender is currently sidelined with a serious knee injury sustained during the Blues’ 1-1 draw with Manchester United back in February.
John Terry and Gary Cahill have shone in his absence and have helped new manager Antonio Conte win his first four games in charge.
According to well-respected journalist Gianluca Di Marzio, Chelsea want to loan Zouma out in order to help him step up his recovery.
Chelsea’s willingness to negotiate with Schalke may suggest Conte is confident of landing a centre-back before Wednesday’s transfer deadline.
The Blues’ defensive options are currently threadbare with Terry and Cahill as their only recognised central defenders, but Branislav Ivanovic is able to stand in if needed.