Liverpool and Chelsea will have to fight off interest from Lazio if they want to sign Nicolas Nkoulou.

The Marseille defender is reported to be a target for the Premier League pair but his form this season appears to have attracted a number of admirers.

And Corriere cello Sport claim Serie A giants Lazio are keen to beat everyone to his signature.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho is desperate for reinforcements in January as he looks to overhaul his struggling squad.

Summer signing Papy Djilobodji could be on his way out of Stamford Bridge after struggling to settle since his move from Nantes and Cameroon international Nkoulou could come in as a direct replacement.

Nicolas Nkoulou
Nicolas Nkoulou
Mourinho may well have a significant transfer budget if reports that Pedro and Eden Hazard will leave come to fruition.

Meanwhile, Liverpool boss Klopp is looking to stamp his authority at Anfield in January and is will hope to add some new faces.

The German has his own problems in defence after Mamadou Sakho suffered knee ligament damage against Crystal Palace.

And Nkoulou, 25, would provide some much-needed cover at the back.

He signed for Marseille in 2011 from Monaco and has made 136 Ligue 1 appearances for the club, scoring five goals.

A seasoned international, Nkoulou has 63 caps for his native Cameroon.