Blues considering move for Neres if appeal over transfer ban is successful

Chelsea are monitoring Ajax’s Brazil forward in tentative summer transfer plans.

Chelsea could turn their search for a new striker towards Ajax’s David Neres with Luka Jovic poised to sign for Real Madrid.

The Blues had been closely tailing Eintracht Frankfurt hitman Jovic, but the 21-year-old Serbia striker should shortly finalise his Madrid move.

Chelsea remain hopeful of having their two-window FIFA transfer ban frozen while appealing to the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS), so are pushing ahead with tentative recruitment plans.

Tottenham Hotspur v Ajax – UEFA Champions League – Semi Final – First Leg – Tottenham Hotspur Stadium — David Neres, pictured, has caught Chelsea’s attention (Mike Egerton/PA)

Paris St Germain, Liverpool and Arsenal are all also eyeing a move for £40million-rated Neres, who has impressed amid Ajax’s run to the Champions League semi-finals and the Eredivisie title.

The 22-year-old hit 10 goals in 42 matches in Ajax’s fine campaign, catching the attention of a clutch of top clubs when scoring in the 4-1 Champions League win at Real Madrid in March.

Chelsea enjoy a positive relationship with Neres’ agents Giuliano Bertolucci and Kia Joorabchian, with the pair representing Blues defender David Luiz.

Chelsea v Watford – Premier League – Stamford Bridge — Gonzalo Higuain, pictured, could return to Juventus this summer (Adam Davy/PA)

Chelsea are still expected to trigger the one-year extension in Olivier Giroud’s contract to keep him in west London next season.

Winger Christian Pulisic will join the Blues this summer, with the USA star’s arrival to some extent offsetting Eden Hazard’s expected departure to Real Madrid.

Striker Tammy Abraham, midfielder Mason Mount and right-back Reece James head the queue of Chelsea stars returning from loans pushing for first-team chances next term.

Alvaro Morata File Photo — Alvaro Morata, pictured, has revealed he wants to stay at Atletico Madrid in the long-run (Adam Davy/PA)

“What is clear is what I want, I want to be here,” Morata told Marca.

“I’m going to do all I can to keep playing here, I did all I could to come and I will do all I can to stay.

“I’m not thinking about going back anywhere, only being here.

“I’m happy here and I want to be here for the years I have left at the top level.”

“He’s one of the best players in the world and could fit in well in any team,” said Morata.

“He’s a top player and top person, he’d fit in at any team.”