have put together a shortlist of alternatives to Brighton midfielder and could make a late swoop for relegated star Tyler Adams, according to reports.
Manager is eager to bring in a more defence-minded midfielder this summer, with the club currently light on options in the middle of the pitch.
N’Golo Kante left on a free transfer when his contract expired at the end of June, while Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek have all been sold.
‘I think we’re still talking about needing an experienced midfielder, yes,’ said Pochettino over the weekend when asked if the club were still pursuing a midfielder.
Brighton star Caicedo is the club’s primary target, though relations between the two sides are increasingly tense – in part due to Chelsea’s unwillingness to sell Levi Colwill – and the Seagulls are .
That has seen Chelsea start to explore alternative players, with reporting that Leeds midfielder Adams could become a serious option.
The 24-year-old has a year of experience in the Premier League after arriving from RB Leipzig last summer, where he racked up 75 Bundesliga appearances and 14 Champions League appearances during his time in Germany.
He is the current captain of the United States national team and fits the mould of player Pochettino is looking to recruit, though he will not be fit for the start of the season due to an injury.
Adams actually has a relegation release clause in his contract which became active when Leeds dropped down into the Championship and it is believed to be worth £20m – the same fee he cost last summer.
That would be something of a bargain compared to the prices Chelsea have been quotes for other targets, with Southampton wanting £50m for Romeo Lavia.
There are other options on Chelsea’s shortlist including Ajax’s Edson Alvarez – who the Blues actually bid for unsuccessfully a year ago – though he is likely to command a fee of around £40m.
Chelsea are also looking at Celta Vigo’s young Spanish midfielder Gabri Veiga, though he is more of an offensive, creative midfielder and does not quite fit the profile Pochettino is looking for.
In better news, the Argentine coach is said to be very impressed with teenage recruit Andrey Santos and it is possible the Brazilian could feature as part of the first-team squad this season rather than being loaned out.
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