Christophe Galtier refuses to rule out Presnel Kimpembe exit amid Chelsea links

The Frenchman is one of many central defenders being linked with a move to Thomas Tuchel's side during the transfer window following the exits of Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen on free transfers.

The Premier League outfit completed a move for Napoli's Kalidou Koulibaly on Saturday, but after seeing a move for Nathan Ake break down, the Blues remain in the hunt for a left-footed centre back.

Following the links of World Cup winner Kimpembe, who is rated at around £50m, Galtier admitted that he was surprised at the news, but failed to quash the rumours of an exit completely.

The 55-year-old told L'Equipe: "I've read everything that has been said about Kimpembe.

"We even laughed about it together! I like him - he's a great centre-back but what will happen, I don't know."

Meanwhile, as well as Kimpembe, Chelsea are also said to have reignited their interest in Sevilla defender Jules Kounde after missing out on Ake, whilst a move for Matthijs de Ligt also appears in doubt due to the Dutchman's reported preference to join Bayern Munich from Juventus instead.