- 7 hours ago
Chelsea eye SHOCK move for Euro 2024 star
Jacque Talbot
- Updated: 14 Jul 2024 11:39 BST
- 5 min read
Chelsea are in a battle with Newcastle for RB Salzburg’s 23-year-old Serbian defender Strahinja Pavlovic, according to reports.
The Blues are keen on securing Pavlovic, while AC Milan, Aston Villa, and Wolverhampton Wanderers have also shown strong interest in the player who was one of the standout performers in Euro 2024, suggests CaughtOffside.
The publication states that Milan have Pavlovic an annual salary between €1.5m and €2m, but it’s thought that Premier League clubs are prepared to go over the top of this and offer a bigger wage.
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Milan have done the most legwork but the Serie A giants, at the moment, find Salzburg’s asking price of €30m too high. They will instead look to offer around €20m. Meanwhile, proposals are expected from Chelsea and Newcastle at €25m.
Pavlovic began his professional career at Partizan Belgrade before moving on AS Monaco. During his time in France, he had loan moves to Cercle Brugge and Basel. He has been with RB Salzburg since 2022 and could now be on the move this summer.
Lesley Ugochukwu to leave on loan
It comes after the news that Chelsea are set to send Lesley Ugochukwu out on loan for the 2024-25 campaign following an injury-hit debut season in England.
The 20-year-old moved to Stamford Bridge for €27 million this season, but he mustered just 15 appearances in all competitions last year, largely due to a hamstring problem.
As a result, Chelsea are eager to loan out the Frenchman next season, according to Foot Mercato.
Everton are reportedly one of the clubs interested in signing Ugochukwu on loan, with the Toffees set to sell Amadou Onana to Aston Villa for a reported €60m.
An unnamed Ligue 1 club are also keen on Ugochukwu, although the 20-year-old is reportedly eager to seal a Premier League loan as he looks to establish himself in English football.
