Transfer Talk: Chelsea enter Verratt race to bolster midfield

Chelsea are interested in signing Paris Saint-Germain ace Marco Verratti as they seek to bolster their midfield.

The Blues have lost a number of senior players in the department this summer, with N'Golo Kante, Mateo Kovacic, Mason Mount and Ruben Loftus-Cheek all shown the exit door.

Foot Mercato claim Verratti, 30, has emerged as an option for Maurico Pochettino's outfit, although they face competition from Saudi side Al-Hilal.

New PSG boss Luis Enrique has reportedly informed the Italy international that he is not part of his plans for the 2023-24 season.

Verratti joined the Ligue 1 champions from Pescara in July 2012 and has enjoyed a very successful career with the Parisians.

The 5ft 5in maestro has won 30 trophies, although his fitness record will be of some concern to Pochettino and his staff.

He has missed 103 games through injury during his 11-year PSG career.

Nevertheless, Verratti would bring serious elite-level experience to a Chelsea midfield currently featuring Enzo Fernandez, Andrey Santos, Conor Gallagher, Lesley Ugochukwu and Carney Chukwuemeka, who have an average age of 20.4.

The Blues were looking to complete a deal for Brighton's rising star Moises Caicedo but appear to have lost out in the race to rivals Liverpool.

In other news

According to The Times, Real Madrid are preparing to swoop for free agent David de Gea, 32, after goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois suffered a serious knee injury in training.

Tottenham will consider a move for Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku if Harry Kane completes his move to Bayern Munich, say Gazzetta dello Sport.

TEAMtalk report Manchester City have been told they will have to cough up £80million to sign Lucas Paqueta, 25, from West Ham.