Chelsea ‘radically’ change plan for unused midfielder as Fabrizio Romano confirms Newcastle, West Ham want more established star

Chelsea are about to sanction the departure of a midfielder who has never played for them and may not get the chance to again, a report has claimed.

Chelsea’s midfield is being ripped apart this summer. First of all, N’Golo Kante left for Al Ittihad after his contract expired. Since then, Chelsea have sold Mateo Kovacic to Manchester City, Ruben Loftus-Cheek to AC Milan, Kai Havertz to Arsenal and Mason Mount to Man Utd.

TEAMtalk also understands that Carney Chukwuemeka is available for loan next season. And another of the young talents bought by the club under Todd Boehly’s ownership is now facing an uncertain future too.

Back in January, Chelsea invested in Andrey Santos. However, they had to lend him straight back to Vasco da Gama after struggles to secure a work permit.

The plan since has been to integrate Santos for their pre-season tour. In a sudden twist, though, Record is now reporting that Chelsea have ‘radically’ changed their plan for the Brazilian and will be loaning him out instead.

According to the Portuguese source, the Blues have now given permission for Santos to travel to Lisbon in order to undergo a medical with Porto.

The Primeira Liga runners up are in the market for a new midfielder after Al Sadd deprived them of Mateus Uribe. Their manager, Sergio Conceicao, has given his approval to a move for Santos.

There is even, Record claims, the possibility that Porto’s loan deal could contain an option for them to buy Santos at the end of the season. Chelsea still have the teenager under contract until 2030, though.

Transfer expert Fabrizio Romano has since confirmed that Porto appreciate Santos, although he denies Chelsea have made a firm decision about his future.

Chelsea exits possible for Santos and Gallagher

Elsewhere, though, Romano has clarified what the future could hold for another Chelsea midfielder who may be surplus to requirements.

The player in question is Conor Gallagher, who got his chance with the Chelsea first team last season after various loan spells away.

According to Romano, Gallagher is of interest to Champions League participants Newcastle and Europa League contenders West Ham.

“Conor Gallagher has been on Newcastle’s list since May,” Romano told Caught Offside.

“Of course, after signing Sandro Tonali they are now discussing internally about how to spend money in the next weeks, but Gallagher has always been appreciated by West Ham and Newcastle, these two clubs.”

Now 23 years old, Gallagher accumulated 45 appearances last season, scoring three goals. He started 18 matches in the Premier League.

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