Chelsea ‘lead’ Matthijs de Ligt transfer race but face competition from SIX rivals including Man Utd, City and Liverpool

CHELSEA are reportedly in pole position to sign Matthijs de Ligt should the defender depart Juventus this summer.

The Blues are in the market for a new centre-back with Antonio Rudiger to link up with Real Madrid on a free transfer.

Danish ace Andreas Christensen will also depart when his contract at Stamford Bridge expires at the end of the month.

The former Borussia Monchengladbach loanee, 26, is believed to have agreed a switch to join LaLiga giants Barcelona.

Boss Thomas Tuchel is known to be a huge admirer of Sevilla's Jules Kounde, with it claimed the West London outfit could make a move for both him and De Ligt.

And according to , the Holland international is firmly on Chelsea's radar ahead of a potential transfer.

But it has been said that they face competition from SIX European giants - including three Premier League clubs.

Champions Manchester City are keeping an eye on De Ligt, along with Liverpool and Manchester United.

Spanish rivals Real and Barca are also thought to be keen, along with Ligue 1 outfit Paris Saint-Germain.

Despite the 22-year-old being tied down at the Allianz Stadium until 2024, Juve are reportedly fearful that the player could decide to depart.

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And if that was to be the case, the Italian news outlet has declared that Chelsea are best positioned to secure his services.

This is because they are desperate to find a replacement for Rudiger with new owner Todd Boehly ready to invest heavily in the team.

De Ligt fuelled speculation of a possible exit earlier this month after admitting he may reject a new contract offer from the Old Lady.

Speaking to Dutch outlet NOS, he said: "There are talks ongoing between me and Juventus.

"Once the right moment arrives, I will decide to extend or to look further."