Chelsea are reportedly interested in finalising a deal for Sporting Lisbon midfielder Dario Essugo on deadline day.
The Blues went into the final hours of the winter transfer window largely focused on facilitating a number of outgoings.
Ben Chilwell and Carney Chukwuemeka are expected to complete loan moves away from Stamford Bridge, while there remains a possibility that Axel Disasi could move to a fellow Premier League club.
However, with Cesare Casadei having already departed for Torino and Romeo Lavia sidelined until March, there is the prospect of Enzo Maresca being short of central-midfield options until that point.
According to transfer expert Fabrizio Romano, Sporting prospect Essugo is one of several options that is being considered by Chelsea officials, despite the fact that he could not represent the club this season.
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Essugo discussions underway?
As supported by Record, talks have already taken place with regards to a potential transfer for the 19-year-old.
The report adds that Sporting officials are expecting movement with the player's future throughout Monday to determine his long-term future.
Essugo played two games for Sporting before being allowed to join Las Palmas on a loan deal for the rest of the season, subsequently making 14 appearances in La Liga.
Therefore, as per FIFA regulations, Chelsea would only be bolstering their squad numbers with the future in mind, rather than the Portugal Under-21 international being able to have an immediate impact.
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Do Chelsea have any concerns over midfield options?
With Chelsea also seemingly having agreed that Joao Felix can move to AC Milan on loan, supporters are justified in having concerns over the club's priorities.
Moises Caicedo, Enzo Fernandez and Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall face being Chelsea's only fit central midfielders in the short term, the assumption being that Samuel Rak-Sakyi will remain in reserve rather than going out on loan.
Even if Essugo does sign for Chelsea, a loan to Strasbourg for 2025-26 appears more plausible, as was reported in December.
Darren Plant
