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Adam Wharton is a young midfield player from Blackburn, and Chelsea is vying with Crystal Palace for his services.
Paul Winstanley, the sporting director for the Blues, observed Wharton in action last week after being intrigued by the 19-year-old’s Carabao Cup performance against the team earlier in the season.
Despite investing a lot of money on midfield players, Winstanley is looking for even more talent, and Chelsea might be willing to consider a buy and loan back plan.
This week, Rovers turned down a £18.5 million bid from Palace and are now seeking up to £25 million, though they may accept that as a down payment and add-ons.
Chelsea must be convincing and any plans to loan him out for the upcoming season would not sit well with Wharton, who signed a five-year contract at Ewood Park last month. Wharton would also want to know his career path.
Palace is already looking for options and is unlikely to raise their offer of £15 million with an additional £3.5 million for Wharton.
Among them is Jordan James, a 19-year-old from Birmingham, who costs around half as much.
Atalanta, a Serie A team, had been attempting to get James, but they were unable, allowing Palace to intervene and make a competitive offer for the teenage Welshman.
Jesurun Rak-Sakyi, a 21-year-old winger for Palace, is wanted by Birmingham on loan, and the transfer may yet go through.
The wide receiver, who must leave the Eagles for regular game time, has been contacted by the Blues. He may leave if they add one or more players.
After missing two months due to a hamstring tear, Rak-Sakyi is back, however he is not included in Roy Hodgson’s team.
This season, he has only made eight appearances for the first team.