Chelsea Transfer News: Jonas Hector Reportedly Targeted, Latest Blues Rumours

Chelsea are reportedly preparing to hijack Liverpool's move for FC Cologne left-back Jonas Hector with head coach Antonio Conte looking to strengthen his defensive line. 

Per Peter O'Rourke of ESPN FC, Baba Rahman's loan departure to Schalke 04 has left Chelsea short in the left-back position, and the Blues have identified longtime Liverpool target Hector as their No. 1 choice.

The Germany international, 26, only recently signed a new five-year deal with Cologne, so Chelsea could struggle to prise him away from the Bundesliga club.

According to O'Rourke, Conte is eager to restore Cesar Azpilicueta to his more natural right-back role, especially if he opts to utilise a 3-5-2 formation.

Per Bleacher Report's Sam Tighe, Rahman would have been the most likely man to take up the left wing-back position if the Italian opted to play three at the back, but he has been allowed to move away for the season:

Chelsea have been left short on the defensive flanks, with Branislav Ivanovic taking up the right-back slot for the Blues' first match of the 2016-17 Premier League campaign against West Ham United on Monday.

The 32-year-old Serbian has been a great servant for Chelsea over the last few seasons, but he had a poor 2015-16 campaign and looks to be on the wane.

He likely will not have the mobility or the defensive prowess to operate effectively in a 3-5-2 system under Conte, and Azpilicueta, 26, would be a much better option on the right.

However, for the Spaniard to be able to switch flanks, a new and reliable left-sided defender must be brought into Stamford Bridge, as Chelsea's current options are sparse.

Rahman was bought by former Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho last August to help ease the full-back shortage in west London, but he had little impact in 2015-16, making only 11 starts in the Premier League, per WhoScored.com.

Germany international Hector would be an ideal signing. He is excellent defensively and going forward, and he could be available for as little as £20 million, per Adrian Kajumba in the Mirror.

The fact is, though, that he has only recently committed himself to Cologne for the foreseeable future and only a major offer is likely to persuade the German club to let him go.