Exclusive: Chelsea Draw Up Centre-Back Contingency Plan with Milenkovic and Murillo on Radar

Chelsea are preparing to submit a bid for either Nikola Milenkovic or Nottingham Forest defender Murillo, with their top target Dean Huijsen now seemingly on his way to Real Madrid.

One of AFC Bournemouth’s most influential players this season, Huijsen is among a coterie of players being monitored by Enzo Maresca’s side ahead of what is expected to be another busy summer at Stamford Bridge.

But with clubs across Europe also viewing the Spain international as a potential acquisition, the Londoners have assembled a long list of alternatives should he elect to remain on the south coast or return to the continent only a year after leaving Juventus.

And Milenkovic and Murillo are both understood to have attracted admiring glances from Chelsea’s sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart after impressing at the City Ground this term.

With Milenkovic, previously of Fiorentina, under contract until 2029, the path to Murillo’s signature could be smoother for Maresca’s employers given that his present deal has 12 months less to run.

DEFENSIVE CONUNDRUM

However, after guaranteeing themselves a place in Europe next term, Forest are unlikely to welcome offers for either of the two defenders - particularly as Morgan Gibbs-White’s future in the east Midlands appears in doubt amid reports he is set to be the subject of an offer from Manchester City.

Although strengthening the heart of their rearguard is not a priority for Chelsea, concerns about Wesley Fofana’s durability has prompted scouts acting on Maresca’s behalf to begin the process of identifying possible purchases - particularly should Axel Disasi leave following a spell on loan at Aston Villa and Trevor Chalobah again turn out to be surplus to requirements having been recalled from Crystal Palace.

Milenkovic has been a virtual ever present in Nuno Espirito Santo’s starting eleven since August, forging an effective partnership with former Corinthians player Murillo who, aged only 22, fits Chelsea’s recruitment profile.