Chelsea are watching Sporting Gijon defender Jorge Mere.

The Daily Star says the 19-year-old is a Spanish Under 21 international and tipped to become a mainstay of the senior team in years to come.

Valencia are favourites to land the centre half if he leaves Sporting but Chelsea are also interested and have sent scouts to watch him.

Mere is already a first-team regular for Sporting and has made over 50 appearances for the La Liga strugglers.

Mere is under contract until 2020 and has a £25m release clause but it is understood Sporting are willing to sell.