CHELSEA have reportedly received some positive news in their pursuit of Juventus defender Matthijs de Ligt.

The 22-year-old Dutch centre-back has been heavily linked with a move to Bayern Munich this summer despite interest from Thomas Tuchel's side.

The German champions' first bid of £59million including add-ons was knocked back by Juventus.

And it is thought that they will have to reach the Serie A side's asking price of £76m if they are to prize him away from Italy.

However, Calciomercato are reporting that Bayern need to sell Robert Lewandowski before they can secure De Ligt.

Their star striker, who returned to Bayern training on Wednesday, confirmed back in May his desire to leave this summer.

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The Poland international said: “My era at Bayern is over. I don't see any possibility to continue playing for this club anymore.

“Bayern’s a serious club and I believe they won’t keep me, I don't want to play there anymore.

"A transfer is the best solution. I hope they don't stop me."

He has been heavily linked with a move to Barcelona, although the Catalan giants' critical financial situation means a deal for Lewandowski remains up in the air.

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Lewandowski's contract runs until the end of the 2022/23 season, meaning he will leave for free next year if he is not sold before then.

And if Bayern cannot offload the frontman this summer then Chelsea could swoop in and steal De Ligt from under their nose.

The Blues lost Andreas Christensen and Antonio Rudiger at the end of last season when their contracts expired.

They are closing in on a deal for Napoli centre-half Kalidou Koulibaly, but Tuchel will want more reinforcements and De Ligt could be just that.

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