Chelsea have reportedly joined the race to sign Athletic Bilbao's in-demand centre-back Aymeric Laporte.

The 20-year-old, who is widely regarded as one of the best young defenders in European football, has been strongly linked with Manchester United and Arsenal in recent days.

However, according to A Bola, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho has instructed club officials to push ahead with a move for the Frenchman.

Laporte is believed to have a £32m buy-out clause inserted in his contract – a figure that will have to be met before Bilbao sanction a sale.