Chelsea in talks to sign former Nice defender Malang Sarr for free

Chelsea could continue their recruitment drive by signing Malang Sarr on a free. The 21-year-old defender is available after leaving Nice and his representatives have held talks with the west London club over a five-year deal.

Sarr made 20 appearances for Nice last season and parted company with them after failing to agree terms on a new contract. He has been tracked by Real Betis and several Bundesliga clubs but it is understood his wage demands have put off potential suitors.

Related: Chelsea close to £90m Kai Havertz deal and expect to land Thiago Silva

However Chelsea, who are close to signing Ben Chilwell, Kai Havertz and Thiago Silva, are considering bringing the centre-back to Stamford Bridge. Sarr is a raw talent likely to be sent on loan if Frank Lampard agrees to the deal, with Bayer Leverkusen, Borussia Mönchengladbach and Schalke understood to be interested.

Chelsea have bought Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech this summer and are spending heavily after two windows without signings. They are close to signing Havertz from Leverkusen in a deal worth £90m, Chilwell from Leicester for £50m and Silva on a free following the defender’s exit from Paris Saint-Germain.

Lampard has been keen to make Chilwell his new left-back and the 23-year-old’s impending arrival is likely to spell the end of Emerson Palmieri’s time at Stamford Bridge. Emerson is resigned to leaving and could join Internazionale. Meanwhile Milan are in talks with Chelsea over a loan deal for Tiémoué Bakayoko.

Marc Guehi is set to return to Swansea on loan. The 20-year-old centre-back impressed after joining Steve Cooper’s side on a temporary basis in January.