Chelsea's quest to land Lazio defender Stefan De Vrij could come under threat from German champions Bayern Munich.
The highly-rated Dutch defender, who has made 11 appearances in Serie A so far this season, has emerged as a target for Blues boss Antonio Conte.
Despite missing out in the summer, the Premier League leaders are expected to renew their interest in the January window, but Bayern are now strong contenders too.
II Tempo reports that the 24-year-old has told Lazio that he wishes to leave at the end of the season sparking a desperate race to try to sign him.
There could also be a third party joining the race with Manchester United also known admirers, although their pursuit of Benfica's Victor Lindelof may well __have ended their interest in the player.
De Vrij has been beset by injury since he arrived in Rome in the summer of 2014.
So far he has only made just over 40 appearances for the club but being aware of the outside interest could tempt him to make quick January departure to pastures new.