Everton could now miss out on Leeds United midfielder Tyler Adams as Chelsea look to sign the USA international.
Indeed, Chelsea will ‘open talks’ for the ‘outstanding’ midfielder who has been linked with a move to Goodison Park this summer.
That is according to Fabrizio Romano, who reported via his Twitter account that the 24-year-old had been approached by the London club.
Romano tweeted: “After approaching player’s camp last week, Chelsea will open talks over Tyler Adams deal in the next days – informed on his £20m relegation clause.”
It is yet another blow in a transfer window that has seen Sean Dyche miss out on a number of key targets, including El Bilal Toure and Viktor Gyokeres.
Tyler Adams would have been outstanding signing for Everton
Tyler Adams had a standout season for Leeds in the Premier League last season and shone for the USA during last year’s men’s World Cup in Qatar.
MORE EVERTON STORIES
Indeed, Adams was the youngest captain at the tournament and was highly praised by USA coach Gregg Berhalter:
“When you start talking about the captain types … Tyler fits a very specific role,” said Berhalter. “He’s the general, he’s the strategist. He’s the guy that goes out there and leads by example. When he talks, people listen.”
With Adams’ leadership qualities, he could have been a superb addition to Everton’s squad and would have been a midfielder almost tailor made for a Sean Dyche side.
The American is not the first Leeds United player that Everton have missed out on this summer, with 19-year-old attacker Wilfried Gnonto escaping their grasp, as the Blues recently had a £15m bid rejected.
Meanwhile, one deal that looks close to completion is the signing of Sporting CP forward Youseff Chermiti, who is set to complete his medical this week ahead of his switch to Goodison Park.