Chelsea are considering an approach in signing AS Roma defender Leandro Castan during the transfer window, according to the Express. The report claims the Blues manager Jose Mourinho has set his eyes on the Brazilian defender as the potential backup for the Blues centre-back David Luiz.

Jose Mourinho
Reuters

The former Benfica man has been linked with move to top European clubs, despite the west London club confirming that player is not for sale. The Brazilian international has on Bayern Munich's radar as Pep Guardiola wants to bring the Chelsea defender to Allainz Arena to strengthen the European champions' back four.

Meanwhile, Spanish champions Barcelona have long been interested in signing Luiz and could provide competition to the Bundesliga giants for the Brazilian's signature.

The report claims the former Real Madrid manager is preparing a move to land Castan if his compatriot decides to make a switch away from the west London club. The Roma centre-back has been a regular inclusion in his side's back four, starting in 30 Serie A games last season.

Castan and Marquinhos were the first choice central defenders for Roma during the last campaign. However, the latter completed his move to Paris Sanit-Germain earlier this month and the Italian club have replaced him with the signing of Mehdi Benatia from Udinese.

Roma have already lost Marquinhos to PSG and are unwilling to let another centre-back leave. However their financial conditions could see them re-consider their decision, if the Europa League winners prepare a bid which could he hard for them to resist.

Meanwhile, Chelsea could face competition from Flamengo in making an approach for Castan. The Brazilian club's director of football Paulo Pelaipe confirmed his side's interest in bringing the defender back to his homeland.

"He [Castan] is a great defender and we are evaluating his situation, but there are no actual negotiations for his signing at the moment," Pelaipe said.

Castan is aware of rumours surrounding his future and admitted he is unfazed by the rumours linking him with a move away from Roma.

"I have three more years of contract with Roma. I don't even worry much about the enquiries. My father handles my career, so I leave everything in his hands. Now I just want to rest, without paying much attention to speculation," Castan explained.