Chelsea appear increasingly resigned to defeat in the Dean Huijsen transfer saga, identifying a trio of alternative targets, including Ajax’s Jorrel Hato, to boost their defence instead.

Huijsen has become the most-talked about player on the market this summer, with his £50m release clause an attraction to clubs across Europe.

Real Madrid have made little secret of their admiration for the 20-year-old Spain international. But while they are confident of securing a deal, a conflicting report this week put Arsenal and Liverpool ahead.

Either way, Chelsea don’t seem to be in the picture. The Blues are thought to be considering moving on from Wesley Fofana, whose injury record has again become a problem this season.

According to The Guardian, there are three main alternatives to Huijsen.

Former Blues talent Marc Guehi, who has become Crystal Palace captain and played his way into the England squad since leaving Stamford Bridge in 2021, is one of them.

Guehi was pursued by Newcastle United last summer, only for Palace to reject multiple bids up to a maximum of £65m. But he has just one year left on his contact at Selhurst Park.

The other names on the list are Hato, the teenager who has been a regular for Ajax since 2023, and Everton’s Jarrad Branthwaite. The latter was the subject of a rejected Manchester United offer last summer, and was even linked with Real Madrid prior to Carlo Ancelotti’s demise.

A number of existing Chelsea defenders have uncertain futures. Axel Disasi has been on loan with Aston Villa since January after being deemed surplus to requirements by Enzo Maresca. Trevoh Chalobah has undergone similar treatment last summer until being recalled in January to cover a shortfall, while Benoit Badiashile has consistently been linked with an exit too.