Report: Chelsea set to beat Liverpool and Newcastle in race for former Championship star | OneFootball

Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal to sign former Preston North End star Kian Best after the defender held talks with the Blues according to reports.

The Blues are once again expected to be busy this summer and have already completed the signing of Liam Delap from Ipswich for £30m.

Chelsea face a critical window and more new faces are expected to follow Delap through the door with the club in the market for a centre back and right winger.

Chelsea close to agreeing deal for Preston’s Kian Best

Whilst Chelsea are looking to improve their first team squad they are always on the lookout for potential stars of the future.

Chelsea’s transfer policy under the Todd Boehly and Clearlake Capital ownership has been heavily youth focused, much to the annoyance of supporters at times.

The Blues have signed numerous young talents over the past few windows and it appears they might be closing in on another one.

Best played against Chelsea in the FA Cup in 2024. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)

EFL Analysis have reported Chelsea are close to agreeing a deal for former Preston left back Best after the 19-year-old held talks with the club.

The report adds the deal is close to being finalised and it’s likely Best will go into the youth set-up, although going to Strasbourg could also be a possibility.

EFL Analysis also say a number of Premier League clubs including Liverpool, Newcastle and Nottingham Forest were interested.

Best made one appearance in the Championship last season before joining Irish side Bohemians on loan for the second half of last season, and was released by Preston.

Jorrel Hato a target

The Blues are still looking for a left back for the first team and are in desperate need of back-up for Marc Cucurella.

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Ajax star Jorrel Hato has been identified as a target and the 19-year-old can play both left back and centre back making him a great fit for Enzo Maresca’s system.

Chelsea are said to have held initial talks with Hato, but they face competition from Arsenal and may have to move quickly to secure his signature.