Chelsea turn to Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia after refusing to match Paris Saint-Germain’s offer to Manuel Ugarte
Chelsea are ready to pursue alternative targets after refusing to match the wages PSG are offering to Manuel Ugarte.
The Blues had been confident of winning the race for defensive midfielder Ugarte after offering Sporting a fee worth MORE than his £55million release clause.
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But after being gazumped by the French champions, Chelsea are now set to turn their attentions to Brighton star Moises Caicedo and Southampton's Romeo Lavia.
New manager Mauricio Pochettino is a big admirer of Caicedo while the Blues' recruitment guru Joe Shields is pushing for a move for Lavia, having taken the Belgian to the south coast from Manchester City.
Pochettino will officially take over as Chelsea manager at the start of July.
The Argentine has quite the job on his hands to turn things around at Stamford Bridge after a dismal season where they finished 12th.
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That was despite owner Todd Boehly splashing out more than £600m on signings.
The Blues' bloated squad will need to be trimmed down, with five academy products likely to leave.
Manchester United have already opened talks over a deal for Mason Mount, while Conor Gallagher, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Trevoh Chalobah and Callum Hudson-Odoi all contenders to go.
Sales will help Pochettino make space for his targets with a new striker and goalkeeper believed to be on his wishlist.
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Napoli superstar Victor Osimhen is understood to be one of his priorities, but is likely to cost in excess of £120m.
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