Chelsea ‘want star’ ditched by Tottenham that Pochettino compared to Messi

Chelsea are reportedly interested in signing a player Mauricio Pochettino once compared to Lionel Messi. Former Tottenham youngster Marcus Edwards has emerged as a potential target for the Blues in the final few days of the transfer window.

Pochettino has not hidden his desire to strengthen in attack before Friday’s 11pm deadline. The Argentine is currently without nine players due to injury heading into Wednesday’s Carabao Cup tie against AFC Wimbledon.

Four of those missing are either strikers or attacking wide players. A long list of players have been linked with late moves to Stamford Bridge.

Arsenal star Emile Smith Rowe and Barcelona duo Raphinha and Ferran Torres are among those to be rumoured to be targets. But now Edwards’ name can be thrown into the mix.

Read more… Man Utd receive ‘new transfer approach’ for Mason Greenwood as talks begin

According to Si Phillips Talks Chelsea, Chelsea are considering a move for the 24-year-old. Pochettino knows the player well as he came through the Spurs academy during his time in north London.

Edwards was handed his senior debut by Pochettino in September 2016 at the age of 17. He had only recently made the comparison between Edwards and Messi.

Pochettino said: “The qualities – it’s only looks, his body and the way that he plays – remember a little bit from the beginning of Messi. He is a very good prospect and potentially he can be a top player, but we need to be patient and tell him that he has a lot of talent, enough talent to be a top player, a great player.

“But now it’s how he builds his future, that’s very important. And it’s our responsibility to tell him.”

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It didn’t work out for Edwards at Tottenham. He failed to make another appearance for the club and had two loan spells away before leaving permanently in 2019.

He has impressed since moving to Portugal that summer. Edwards had two-and-a-half years at Vitoria Guimaraes, scoring 20 goals and registering 14 assists in 96 appearances.

He joined Sporting Lisbon in January 2022 and has 15 goals and 16 assists in 68 outings so far. Edwards still has a further three years remaining on his contract, which includes a £52million release clause.

Pochettino confirmed on Tuesday that Chelsea are hoping to make additions this week. He said: “I know the club is working very hard to try to finish out business, Something may happen, maybe yes. At the moment, only working and trying the club to deliver what we want.”

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