Chelsea transfer target tells current club he wants to leave in January

Jeremy Jacquet has informed Rennes he would like to join Chelsea this winter, talkSPORT has learned.

Personal terms are in place with the 20-year-old French centre-back.

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Rennes hadn’t planned for a January exit when the window opens as they are pushing for a Champions League spot.

The Ligue 1 side are hoping for a record sale, surpassing the €64million they sold Jeremy Doku to Man City for.

Why do Chelsea want a centre-back?

Chelsea’s starting value is understood to be lower with club-to-club talks continuing.

The Blues had been on the hunt for a new centre-back as early as last summer.

Initially, Dean Huijsen had been their priority but eventually it became clear the ex-Bournemouth star would join Real Madrid.

After that avenue closed, Chelsea were only going to sign one who would be a starter, rather than a player for development.

As such, they didn’t intentionally deny Enzo Maresca a new centre-back but wanted to ensure they signed the right player.

However, Levi Colwill’s ACL injury further hampered the situation at Stamford Bridge.

Such is the situation at centre-back there are no standout performers currently excelling within the ranks.

Trevoh Chalobah, Tosin Adarabioyo, Benoit Badiashile, Wesley Fofana, and youngster Josh Acheampong are the current options for new manager Liam Rosenior.

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It’s believed Chelsea have left a Champions League List A slot available to make sure they can register a new signing, if one is made.

How are Chelsea performing in the Premier League?

Rosenior got his first win as Blues boss on Saturday as they beat west London rivals Brentford 2-0 at Stamford Bridge.

It came off the back of a 3-2 League Cup semi-final first leg loss to Arsenal in his first game.

His players had been suffering from an illness sweeping the camp last week.

However, Rosenior was delighted with his stars’ effort in the victory, given the circumstances.

“[The illness is] running through the squad,” he said. “There were a couple of players playing today who were complaining about their chests. They put in a magnificent effort. I felt that’s why we weren’t good with the ball.

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“I’m so happy with the attitude of the group to get through this game.”

He added: “I felt the attitude, the energy levels, value and the basics of football,” said Rosenior.

“When you play a good team like Brentford, what pleased me the most – which was summed up in the two goals – was the players’ willingness to battle, to fight, to block shots, to make headers and tackles.

“That attitude got us the two goals that won us the game.”

The win puts Chelsea sixth, ahead of Brentford, and three points off fourth position Liverpool.