 Chelsea have put together a shortlist of alternatives to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and could make a late swoop for relegated Leeds United star Tyler Adams, according to reports. Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis Sign up Privacy Policy Manager Mauricio Pochettino is eager to bring in a more defence-minded midfielder this summer to partner Enzo Fernandez, 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 refusing to budge from their £100million valuation. That has seen Chelsea start to explore alternative players, with The Times 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. Adams is currently recovering from an injury picked up last season (Picture: Getty) 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 pric){kind=link}
NEWS… BUT NOT AS YOU KNOW IT
Chelsea have put together a shortlist of alternatives to Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo and could make a late swoop for relegated Leeds United star Tyler Adams, according to reports.
Chelsea news, exclusives and analysis
Manager Mauricio Pochettino is eager to bring in a more defence-minded midfielder this summer to partner Enzo Fernandez, 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.