According to reports in German media outlet Sport Bild, Chelsea target Neven Subotic could be set to leave Borussia Dortmund before the January transfer window slams shut.

What's the word, then?

Well, The Mirror, via Football 365, reported towards the end of the summer transfer window that the Blues were one of the clubs keen to sign the Serbian, although no move materialised and the 29-year-old ended up staying at Dortmund.

However, Sport Bild report that following the addition of Manuel Akanji from FC Basel, and with the Bundesliga giants also hoping to sign Jonathan Tah from German rivals Bayer Leverkusen this month, Subotic looks to be on his way out having falledn down the pecking order.

Chelsea boss Antonio Conte admitted that he was keen on Virgil van Dijk before the Dutchman joined Liverpool, and he could choose to reignite his interest in Subotic if he wants a new central defender before January 31.

How has Subotic done this season?

While the Serbia international struggled for game time under former Dortmund boss Peter Bosz, he has fared slightly better under Peter Stoger and has appeared in three of their previous five Bundesliga fixtures having only featured in one of the opening 13.

The 29-year-old also played the full 90 minutes in the 3-2 defeat against Real Madrid in his side's final Champions League group game, but his lack of minutes on the pitch and the potential arrival of two new defenders mean he is likely on his way out.

According to WhoScored.com, his main strengths are his tackling, concentration and ability to block the ball, and he has won nine of the 10 tackles he has attempted in five appearances in the Bundesliga and in Europe this term, while he has made 24 clearances, eight blocks and won eight aerial duels.

Would he be a good signing for Chelsea?

He certainly would be, but perhaps as cover rather than a regular starter.

A recent injury to Gary Cahill left the Blues short of cover at the back, and the future of David Luiz still appears to be in doubt even though he has made his return to the first-team.

With six months left on his contract the 29-year-old could be picked up for a reasonable fee, and with 263 appearances for Dortmund under his belt he has the experience and ability to make an impression when called upon for the Premier League holders.

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