Chelsea's transfer plans continue to evolve following a fairly quiet start to the summer window.

The Blues have been exploring several areas of the squad as they prepare for a new campaign under Xabi Alonso, and one of the priorities remains the search for defensive reinforcements.

Chelsea have already been linked with Sporting CP centre-back Ousmane Diomande, with reports suggesting contact has been made regarding a potential move for the Ivory Coast international.

The club have also been assessing options at left-back following Marc Cucurella's departure to Real Madrid.

Juventus' Andrea Cambiaso and Real Madrid's Alvaro Carreras are among the names to have featured in recent transfer speculation as Chelsea weigh up possible additions at full-back.

However, defensive recruitment is not the only focus at Stamford Bridge.

Midfield is another area being looked at, and with the transfer market now fully open, opportunities are constantly being presented to clubs across Europe.

Chelsea are no exception.

A fresh report from TEAMtalk's Graeme Bailey has now linked the Blues with Borussia Dortmund midfielder Felix Nmecha.

According to the report, intermediaries have been sounding out a number of leading clubs about the possibility of signing the Germany international this summer.

Chelsea are said to be among the sides who have been made aware of the situation.

Bailey claims the former Man City starlet could be available for a fee in the region of £52 million if a deal were to develop, with Nmecha's profile growing significantly over the past year.

The 25-year-old has become an important figure for Borussia Dortmund and recently committed his future to the Bundesliga club by signing a new contract running until 2030.

Despite that long-term deal, reports suggest clubs have still been informed that a transfer could be possible under the right circumstances.

Interest in Nmecha has increased further following his performances for Germany at the World Cup.

The midfielder was one of Germany's standout players during their 7-1 victory over Curacao and scored the opener as Julian Nagelsmann's side made an emphatic start to the tournament.

Nmecha is capable of operating in several midfield roles. He has been used as a central midfielder, a deeper holding player and in more advanced positions during his career.

That versatility is viewed as one of his biggest strengths.

Chelsea are not alone in being informed about the situation, with Real Madrid and Barcelona additionally credited with interest in the ex-Wolfsburg star.

As things stand, there is no indication that Chelsea are actively negotiating with Borussia Dortmund.

Instead, the report suggests Alonso's side have been made aware that Nmecha could be available and have received information regarding the framework of a possible transfer.

Nevertheless, Nmecha's name is now firmly on Chelsea's radar.

After spending more than a decade in Man City's academy system, he moved to Germany and established himself first at Wolfsburg before taking the next step with Dortmund.

Now, a return to England is reportedly being discussed behind the scenes.