Chelsea’s chase of Matthijs de Ligt boosted by admiration of Thomas Tuchel

Matthijs De Ligt, pictured, is understood to be keen to work with Thomas Tuchel (Fabrizio Carabelli/PA)

Thomas Tuchel’s ability to coax the best out of defenders is central to Chelsea’s pursuit of Juventus’ Matthijs de Ligt.

Chelsea are thought to have been encouraged to continue negotiations with Juventus due to the Netherlands defender’s admiration for Blues boss Tuchel.