Chelsea are supposedly running the rule over teenage Real Betis winger Jesus Rodriguez, who is starting to make a name for himself under Manuel Pellegrini.
The 2005-born attacker has been on the books with the Verdiblancos for the past four years and has already registered one goal and two assists in 17 senior appearances for the club.
Rodriguez played a starring role in Real Betis' recent shock 2-1 La Liga win over European champions Real Madrid, winning the penalty for Isco to convert the deciding goal.
The teenager also started his side's 2-2 draw with Vitoria Guimaraes in the first leg of their Conference League last-16 battle on Thursday, starting on the opposite wing to Manchester United loanee Antony.
While the latter's scintillating start to life under Pellegrini has been dominating headlines, Rodriguez's performances have supposedly not flown under the radar of some of Europe's biggest teams.
Chelsea to be quoted £42m for Rodriguez deal?
© Imago
According to the Daily Mail, Chelsea are showing a 'keen interest' in the 19-year-old, who was also a part of the Spain side that won the Under-19 European Championship last year.
The report adds that 'elite scouts' have sent glowing reports on Rodriguez's development under Pellegrini, and they have been particularly impressed by his adaptability to the left-wing position.
Rodriguez formerly occupied a right-wing role before Antony joined the club, but senior officials keeping close tabs on his performances have noticed how seamlessly he has slotted onto the left flank to accommodate the Man United-owned winger.
The 2005-born Spaniard extended his contract with Real Betis until 2029 last summer, but his terms are believed to include a release clause set at a reasonable £42m, which can be activated this summer.
As a result, the Blues are stepping up their pursuit of Rodriguez, but they may face added competition from Liverpool, and there will no doubt be questions whether Chelsea really need another player of his profile.
Do Chelsea really need Jesus Rodriguez?
© Imago
Any teenager who shines against Real Madrid will of course have their moment in the spotlight, but this seems to be another classic case of Chelsea not pursuing the position that they need the most.
The Blues have been all about stockpiling wingers in recent times, and Enzo Maresca has an embarrassment of riches out wide with Cole Palmer, Pedro Neto, Noni Madueke, Tyrique George and Jadon Sancho, the latter of whom should see his move made permanent this summer.
Mykhaylo Mudryk may be serving a doping ban, and Joao Felix might not have a future at the club beyond the summer, but the highly-rated Estevao Willian will be making the move to Stamford Bridge in just a few months' time.
As a result, the Blues are surely better reinvesting that £42m on another central attacking option, and Todd Boehly recently revealed why his side are yet to strike a deal for that big money number nine.
Ben Knapton
