Chelsea are expected to move for Celta Vigo midfielder Gabri Veiga if Mason Mount joins Manchester United.
The Blues have started internal discussions about replacements for Mount as they prepare for more talks with United this week over his proposed move to Old Trafford.
United had their latest offer worth £55million for Mount rejected last week and insist they will not meet Chelsea’s £65m asking price.
But they hope to negotiate with Chelsea around the structure of the payment as they bid to seal a deal for one of their top summer transfer targets.
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Mount is keen to join United and is ready to walk away from Chelsea for free at the end of his contract next summer if the move does not go through.
Chelsea’s initial plan was to sign one defensive midfielder this summer to play alongside £106.7m January signing Enzo Fernandez, and Brighton's Moises Caicedo remains their primary target.
But the success of their clear-out of unwanted players means Chelsea are also increasingly open to signing a more attacking midfielder.
Veiga is their top target for that position and the 21-year-old has a release clause of £34.6m.
The Spain Under-21 international has been sounded out over a move and there is space in the Chelsea squad following the departures of Kai Havertz and Mateo Kovacic.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek is in Italy to complete a £17m move to AC Milan, while N’Golo Kante has left on a free transfer to join Al-Ittihad in Saudi Arabia.
Chelsea also remain open to selling Conor Gallagher, although incoming manager Mauricio Pochettino wants to work with him.
Villarreal striker Nicolas Jackson has completed his Chelsea medical ahead of a £32m move to Stamford Bridge.
Ruben Loftus-Cheek set to complete medicals with AC Milan in the coming hours. £18.5m deal from Chelsea. Images on @DiMarzio #ACMilan #CFC pic.twitter.com/HzItR85kqs
— Luca Bendoni (@LucaBendoni) June 29, 2023
Christopher Nkunku has joined in a £52m move from RB Leipzig, while Levi Colwill and Malo Gusto will return from loan spells at Brighton and Lyon to boost the squad.
Chelsea could also sign a goalkeeper but Pochettino’s willingness to work with Kepa Arrizabalaga as his No1 means that is no longer a priority.
The Blues may now look at signing a promising, young back-up goalkeeper who can push Kepa. Valencia’s Giorgi Mamardashvili is being considered for that role.
