Chelsea 'lead' Real Madrid in defensive prodigy race amid Kobbie Mainoo transfer message

Chelsea returned to action with an FA Cup third round win over Morecambe on Saturday, and attention will now quickly turn to Tuesday night’s tricky Premier League clash with in-form Bournemouth. The Blues need to get back on track after a turbulent winter period, but the Cherries have caused a number of big clubs issues this season.

In the meantime, Enzo Maresca and his staff will also be making decisions when it comes to incoming and outgoing transfers. Here we round up all the latest news and transfer rumours surrounding Stamford Bridge.

Hato chase

Chelsea are said to be leading the race to sign Ajax defender Jorrel Hato amid their search for more depth at centre-back. The Blues, according to CaughtOffside, have moved ahead of Real Madrid in the race to land the 18-year-old talent.

It’s reported that Hato would likely cost between £40million and £45million, with Ajax willing to reject anything short of a big offer for a player they see as a huge talent. Hato has already racked up 59 league appearances for Ajax despite his youth, while he is a five-time Netherlands international.

Casadei latest

Torino are now the only club standing as far as any Cesare Casadei deal goes, according to Tuttosport, who say Napoli’s pursuit has ended with the signing of Philip Billing from Bournemouth.

The report claims Torino may have to sacrifice a player to pull off the Casadei deal, and Ivan Ilic is suggested as a player they could sell as they look to land the Chelsea midfielder. The Blues are said to be open to a sale or a loan deal, but a permanent deal would need to include some sort of sell-on or buy-back clause.

Robinson on Mainoo

Manchester United star Kobbie Mainoo is not good enough to get into the Chelsea starting XI at this point, according to Paul Robinson, with the Blues reportedly interested in signing the England international.

Speaking on the Inside Track podcast, Robinson said: “Surprise with Chelsea, absolutely. But then you look at [Moises] Caicedo, [Enzo] Fernandez in their centre midfield. They’ve got injuries in that area now, like I say, but when everybody’s fit with Kobbie Mainoo in there, would he get in the team?

"No, he wouldn’t. [Romeo] Lavia’s been one of the best players in the Premier League for me this year, he’s a top, top player. When they’ve got Lavia, Caicedo, and Fernandez fit, Mainoo doesn’t get in. Everyone at Manchester United will be for sale the way things are at the moment. Marcus Rashford looks like he’s going to be the first one out the door, doesn’t he? So, to get those wages off the books and that space in the squad gives the manager a better option than letting somebody like Kobbie Mainoo go. It’s a surprise deal at both ends for me."