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Chelsea are weighing up whether to make a bid for Benfica right-back Daniel Banjaqui during the January transfer window, according to reports.

TEAMtalk claim that the Blues have “identified” the 18-year-old as a potential target, and there is a “growing possibility” that they will trigger his buyout clause.

Banjaqui is reportedly available for €45m (£38m), and with Benfica unlikely to accept an offer below the release fee, Xabi Alonso’s side may well pay the amount in full.

The London club are reportedly keen to reinforce the right flank, following another injury setback for Reece James. The captain will be sidelined for 3 months after undergoing knee surgery.

What do fans need to know about Banjaqui?

The teenager has only played 6 times for Benfica’s first team, having made his debut against Farense in the Portuguese Cup last December.

However, Banjaqui has played regularly for their B team in the Portuguese second division, so he does have 28 senior games in total under his belt.

That is still a very low number, and despite being a very promising young defender, you do wonder whether he is fully equipped for the rigours of the Premier League. The transfer could well be with the future in mind.

Chelsea will have competition for the fullback

TEAMtalk name Arsenal and Liverpool as other potential suitors, but reports in the Portuguese media claim that Newcastle United, Manchester United, Inter Milan and Barcelona have all been scouting Banjaqui as well.

Of course, not all of these teams will be prepared to pay the youngster’s release clause, so we shall have to wait and see if the Blues do in fact pull the trigger in January.