Chelsea 'agree' first signing for Liam Rosenior hours before Brentford match in club-record transfer

Chelsea have yet to make a signing during this winter transfer window since appointing Liam Rosenior as the replacement for Enzo Maresca, but that could be about to change

Chelsea have reportedly reached an agreement to sign Jeremy Jacquet and are now said to be readying a £40million-plus offer.

football.london understands they have been interested in the France under-21 international. Chelsea are cautiously optimistic about signing a centre-back during this winter transfer window.

RMC Sport reports that the Blues are preparing a transfer bid for Stade Rennais worth at least €50million (£43million).

They also claim that the French club want to receive a club-record fee that exceeds the €60million (£52million) Manchester City paid them for Jeremy Doku two-and-a-half years ago and the €50million (£43million) that Paris Saint-Germain paid for Desire Doue.

Meanwhile, Foot Mercato cite their fellow French outlet's reporting, while adding that Jacquet has agreed a contract with Chelsea. They also claim that the defender would arrive at Stamford Bridge as a guaranteed starter.

However, both publications stress that Rennes are not looking to sell. Their head coach, Habib Beye, the former Aston Villa, Doncaster Rovers and Newcastle United player, said during a press conference on Friday: "We are very calm, I'm telling you.

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"To come and get a player from Stade Rennais, you will have to be very persuasive in your desire to have these players and in your financial willingness. We value these players, and they are very important to us."

Jacquet has started all but one of Rennes' matches in Ligue 1 this season. The only exception was when serving a one-game suspension after being sent off in a 5-0 loss to PSG.

Being an almost ever-present for Beye this season means the defender played against Liam Rosenior's Strasbourg. Jacquet played the full 90 minutes as Rennes won 4-1 at home in early November; the goal they conceded was a consolation after taking a four-goal lead.

The Blues appreciate him after monitoring his performances this season. Jacobo Ramon is another young defender they have done likewise with.

Rosenior, however, is in no rush for new signings. He said: "I think if we do, it needs to be the right player. We need to be patient.

"I want to assess this group. It's really, really important to me. I like to give the players I work with a chance to show good surprises. We still have time.

"We have conversations every day, myself and the board, about potential transfers, both out and in, but at the same time, I need to focus on the players in the building. If I feel it's the right time or the right player, then we'll make that decision."