Chelsea have been handed a transfer update on potential new signing Xavi Simons. PA Sport report that Blues forward Christopher Nkunku is being eyed by his former club Leipzig, who are eager to include the 27-year-old in any potential deal for Simons.

Despite ongoing negotiations for the Dutch international this summer, no agreement has been reached yet. However, Leipzig's interest in reacquiring Nkunku – whose stint at Stamford Bridge has been marred by injuries and a modest tally of six Premier League goals – could pave the way for a deal.

Simons, who can operate as an attacking midfielder or winger, offers a potentially more versatile attacking option than Nkunku. On Friday, head coach Enzo Maresca confirmed that the club is on the lookout for a central defender following Levi Colwill's anterior cruciate ligament surgery.

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Given that the typical recovery period for an ACL injury ranges from six to nine months, it's likely that the England international will be sidelined for most of the season.

"It's a priority because Levi is a fantastic player," Maresca said. "What we achieved last season is because of him. He played all the games with me, I love him, we're going to miss him."

Ahead of the friendly against Bayer Leverkusen, Maresca explained that Colwill's enforced absence had impacted his plans. "His injury changes our preparation, very important for way we want to play," the Italian said. "His injury's changed a lot for us."

Chelsea have already secured the services of 19-year-old centre-back Jorrel Hato from Ajax, but they're still in search of a more experienced replacement for Colwill.

The 22-year-old was near ever-present for Chelsea last year, starting 35 Premier League games and building a relationship with a number of separate partners throughout.

He had found his best form in a Chelsea shirt and carried it over to the Club World Cup but went down at the end of the first session back from holiday on Monday.