Amadou Onana is on Chelsea's radar for potential midfield options under Mauricio Pochettino, following a strong debut season at Everton.
The Belgian international, 21, joined the Toffees last summer from Lille, making 35 appearances for the side in his first season after a £34m move.
But Everton are under significant financial pressure which may force them into selling him on after just one season on Merseyside.
Now The Guardian believe that Chelsea are targeting Onana, and view the midfielder as a natural long-term replacement for N'Golo Kante.
Kante is leaving Chelsea after seven years of service to the Blues, with a move to Saudi Arabian side Al-Ittihad thought to be imminent.