Chelsea transfer news: The Blues have reportedly turned towards a USMNT ace in order to solve their ongoing midfield issues with Leeds United's Tyler Adams linked with a move.
Chelsea are preparing for the very possible eventuality that Moises Caicedo does not join them this month after negotiations with Brighton continue to thwart attempts.
Chelsea became clear favourites to sign him over the summer as Arsenal prioritised Declan Rice, Liverpool planned for Romeo Lavia and Manchester United went for Mason Mount. Progress with a deal has been hard to come by though, and alternatives are now being looked at.
Lesley Ugochukwu has agreed to join this summer for £23.5million ($30m) but may not be headed straight for the first team. "We need experience in midfield," Mauricio Pochettino said after the 2-0 win over Fulham on Sunday.
"I have the information you have. My information is a player that is from France that maybe they sign with the idea to send on loan. The information was already in your laptop."
The 19-year-old is certainly highly rated but isn't a direct replacement for signing Caicedo. Plans have been made in the event that the Ecuadorian isn't acquirable though, and a new shortlist has emerged.
The Times report that Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams is on a shortlist of players that could be looked at if Caicedo continues to be a dead end. The 24-year-old has a relegation clause in his contract that is now active after the Yorkshire side dropped into the Championship.
Adams was unable to play in the final two months of the season after picking up a damaging hamstring injury and is one of the star players remaining at Elland Road currently. Leeds kick off their campaign in the second division on Sunday, August 6, with the EFL calendar starting one week before the Premier League.
When asked about his injury on the Lade Out Podcast presented by Wawa, Adams said: "It is what it is. You've just got to learn how to deal with it. I'm going to be injured more times in my career I am sure and it's just a bump in the road.
"There's no good time to be injured. But I am happy that I get to enjoy a break, that I am able to walk around. There's worst case scenarios, I could be in a boot, I could be on crutches. You've just got to be patient. I'm not a patient person."
Adams joined Leeds last summer after moving from RB Leipzig for £20million ($25m) and was one of the few bright sparks in an otherwise poor season for the team under three different managers.
He played no role in America's CONCACAF Nations League win earlier this summer as former Chelsea winger Christian Pulisic took on the armband in his absence. He will now be working towards a recovery under Daniel Farke but could yet have a big twist in his future to come.
Chelsea are also said to be exploring deals for Lavia, Edson Alvarez and Gabri Veiga as they prepare for a worst case scenario with Caicedo in the final weeks.
Which of the following prospects would you like to see in the first team, or loaned out for experience? Swipe to have your say...