Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Ajax’s Nicolas Tagliafico as an alternative to Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell.
The Blues have been linked with a number of potential left-back summer signings including Chilwell and Porto’s Alex Telles.
But according to Calciomercato, Chelsea have put Tagliafico on their radar and the 27-year-old is thought to be “the least expensive option” available to the club.
The report said Chelsea have had Chilwell on top of their list but were forced to look at other options after being put off by Leicester City’s asking price for the 23-year-old.
The Foxes reportedly want a similar fee to what Manchester United paid for Harry Maguire last summer, which is around £80million.
According to the report, Tagliafico, who is under contract with Ajax until 2022, will be a much cheaper option for Chelsea, although he is not top of Lampard’s shortlist.
The Argentinian has had five goals and seven assists across all competitions this term.
Meanwhile, Porto’s Telles is said to be Lampard’s second option. With his contract ending in 2021, Porto might have to cash in this summer and the Brazilian defender is reportedly available for £40m.
Having bagged nine goals and 10 assists this season, Telles could offer an attacking threat similar to Alonso at Chelsea.
A summer transfer for a left-back will likely mean that either Emerson Palmieri or Marcos Alonso has to leave Chelsea.
Two Serie A giants, Inter Milan and Juventus, are reportedly interested in the Chelsea full-backs.