Chelsea have identified Micky van de Ven as a concrete option to strengthen their defence during the summer transfer window.

The club are understood to be prioritising centre-backs with Premier League experience as part of plans to improve the squad ahead of next season.

Van de Ven is now among the names being seriously considered by Chelsea’s recruitment team, with the club reportedly prepared to offer up to £65 million for the Tottenham Hotspur defender.

Chelsea’s interest is said to be independent of Tottenham’s final Premier League position or overall outcome this season.

At this stage, there have been no official negotiations or direct talks between the clubs, with discussions yet to progress beyond initial interest.

Other Premier League defenders being monitored by Chelsea include Jan Paul van Hecke of Brighton and Murillo of Nottingham Forest.

Chelsea are expected to make defensive reinforcements a major priority during the upcoming transfer window as they continue plans to reshape the squad.