Chelsea transfer news: Jose Mourinho lines move for Romanian left-back Iasmin Latovlevici as replacement for Ashley Cole

Steaua Bucharest defender Iasmin Latovlevici (right) is reported to be wanted by Chelsea (Getty images)

Chelsea are chasing Steaua Bucharest left-back Iasmin Latovlevici as Jose Mourinho seeks to ring in the changes at Stamford Bridge.

The Portuguese coach, who has already signed Cesc Fabregas from Barcelona, has been searching for a left-sided defender after Ashley Cole announced that he will leave Stamford Bridge when his contract expires this summer.

Mourinho has been strongly linked with moves for Southampton teenager Luke Shaw and Atletico Madrid full-back Filipe Luis, who impressed against the Blues in the Champions League semi-final.

It remains likely that a deal in the region of £20m will be agreed for the Brazilian, with Shaw tipped to complete a move to Manchester United.

However, with the futures of Ryan Bertrand and Patrick van Aanholt uncertain, Chelsea could also look to sign 28-year-old Latovlevici as a back-up option, according to The Mirror.

Latovlevici, an Romanian international with eight caps, has faced Chelsea in each of the last two seasons in both the Europa League and Champions League and has caught the eye on both occasions.

With only a year remaining on the five-year contract he signed with Steaua in 2010 when he joined from Politehnica Timisoara, Chelsea could sign Latovlevici for a cut-price fee should he be interested in a move to the Premier League side.