Friday 16 December 2016 11:20, UK
Hoffenheim will not sell reported Chelsea target Niklas Sule in the January transfer window, according to Sky sources.
Newspaper reports have linked the Blues with a move for the German international next month but the Bundesliga side are determined to keep hold of their prized asset until at least this summer.
The 21-year-old centre-back has caught the eye of a number of Premier League clubs, with Tottenham and Liverpool also linked to him earlier this year.
Despite his young age - he will not turn 22 until next September - Sule is already a Germany international after making his debut against Finland in August.
Antonio Conte is thought to be keen to bolster his options in central defence in January to ensure injuries will not force him to abandon the 3-4-3 formation which has helped Chelsea surge six points clear at the top of the Premier League after ten consecutive league wins.