Chelsea have reportedly drawn up a shortlist of four alternative options to Benfica and Argentina midfielder Enzo Fernandez should a deal for the 21-year-old fail to materialize.
The Blues are one of a number of European clubs looking at a possible deal for Fernandez, who won the award for the Best Young Player at the 2022 World Cup.
Fernandez came up with one goal and one assist in seven games as Argentina won their third World Cup title, while he has three goals and five assists from 24 outings in his debut season at Benfica.
The Eagles have remained unbeaten this season with Fernandez in the team, and he is under contract at the Portuguese giants for another four and a half years.
Chelsea are said to have indicated a willingness to pay Fernandez's release clause - thought to be in the region of £105m - to sign him in January, but Liverpool, Real Madrid and Manchester United are also attentive to the situation.
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Should the Blues be made to give up their pursuit of the former River Plate youngster, The Mirror claims that Chelsea have four alternative options lined up.
The first of those is the much-coveted Jude Bellingham, who alongside Fernandez is expected to command a nine-figure sum to leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer of 2023.
Liverpool and Real Madrid are thought to have steered clear of their rivals in the race for the 19-year-old, who formed an effective midfield partnership with Declan Rice at the World Cup.
Rice is understood to be the second name on Chelsea's shortlist, having left the Stamford Bridge academy ranks in 2013 to sign for West Ham United, where he is only under contract for another 18 months.
Hammers boss David Moyes has consistently played down Rice's chances of leaving the club, but West Ham could come under pressure to sell next summer if the 23-year-old decides against signing a new deal.
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Elsewhere, Brighton & Hove Albion youngster Moises Caicedo is also thought to be admired by the Blues board, who are focusing on a recruitment drive for young talent.
The 21-year-old was on the radar of Man United before joining the Seagulls from Independiente in January 2021, but Liverpool are also pushing for his signature.
Finally, Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia has piqued the interest of Chelsea chiefs, having cemented his place in the Southampton lineup after leaving Manchester City in the summer.
The 18-year-old has only made seven appearances for the Saints due to a hamstring injury, which he sustained after scoring in a 2-1 win over Chelsea on August 30.
Lavia's contract with Southampton does not expire until 2027, but Nathan Jones's men sit rock bottom of the Premier League table and will not be expected to retain the Belgian's services should they suffer relegation to the Championship.
Ben Knapton
