Blues Scouts are believed to be watching the towering German ahead of a potential move in the summer.
Chelsea are said to be interested in Schalke’s Benedikt Howedes according to the “Metro” after the towering German admitted he would like to play in England, potentially paving the way for a move to West London.
Former Blues boss, Di Matteo is reluctant to let the centre back depart for his former club, who has been at the heart of Schalke’s defence in recent years. Schalke currently boast the 3rd best defensive record in the Bundesliga with the German club sitting in 5th place on the Bundesliga table.
While Chelsea currently hold the best defensive record in the Premier league, Privately it is thought that Mourinho is concerned with the form of Gary Cahill, who has not been as his best this season for the Blues, with the Englishman haven recently lost his place regular to young Frenchman Kurt Zouma in recent matches.
Although Chelsea have adequate cover in the young Frenchman, who has impressed, it is said that Mourinho wants to add the experienced German to the Chelsea squad in order to improve competition as well as provide depth. Aged 27, the German also still has a few years ahead of him at the top level.
Howedes, famed for his aerial ability and hard tackling, would provide more experience than Zouma, with the German currently boasting a starting spot in both the Schalke team and the World Cup winning German national team.
Manchester United and Arsenal are also rumoured to be keen on the 27 year old, and it is believed that Schalke would be willing to let their star defender leave for £17million.
The German recently stated “I owe Schalke a lot; I have had a great experience during my time here. However, if I were to imagine moving abroad to experience a life in a foreign country, England would be my destination.”
