By John Cross
Chelsea are lining up Juventus defender Stephan Lichtsteiner after seeing their pursuit of No.1 right-back target Cesar Azpilicueta stall.
New Blues boss Roberto di Matteo has had a £5million bid for Spaniard Azpilicueta turned down by his French club Marseille and are struggling to reach a deal.
The stand-off has forced Chelsea to look elsewhere as they are in danger of starting the season without proper cover at the position.
Jose Bosingwa has been released while Branislav Ivanovic, who can play right-back, is desperate to play in his preferred centre-half role.
Azpilicueta remains Chelsea’s first choice and the Spanish Under-21 international wants to move to Stamford Bridge, but the European champions are having to look at other options.
Lichtsteiner, 28, is a Swiss international right-back who played three seasons for Lazio before joining Juve last summer.
He comes recommended and has been watched, and could be available for around £5m.
Chelsea have also hit the wall in their attempts to land Wigan winger Victor Moses, as the Latics insist they want £10m for him, and Porto and Brazil forward Hulk.
