Chelsea eye Everton star as alternative to Sesko as Maresca target Leicester for £40m Gallagher replacement

Chelsea are reportedly monitoring Everton star Dominic Calvert-Lewin as a possible striker target this summer as manager Enzo Maresca looks to raid Leicester for a new midfielder.

The Blues are looking to strengthen their squad under new boss Maresca, who joined the club after guiding Leicester to the Premier League last season, replacing Mauricio Pochettino at the helm.

The club appear to be working on a tighter budget than in previous transfer windows under the new owners, who paid out over £1bn in transfer fees during their two-year spell at Stamford Bridge.

Dominic Calvert-Lewin at Chelsea?

Were closely linked with RB Leipzig’s Benjamin Seskowho has also attracted the attention of Arsenal and Manchester United and has already rejected two bids from Saudi Arabia for his services.

The 21-year-old has a £56million release clause which Chelsea can stretch, but Calvert-Lewin would be a significantly cheaper option. Mainly because it’s nowhere near as good.

The former Sheffield United striker has just one year left on his contract, with Everton currently trying to convince him to extend it, and reports suggest Chelsea are joining several other Premier League clubs weighing up whether he is worth a gamble this summer .

It would represent a complete change in transfer policy for Chelsea, who have already signed Tosin Adarabioyo on a free transfer from Fulham and are now said to be targeting a 27-year-old goalless striker. At least the last part is on brand for Chelsea.

It won’t cost much, but Chelsea desperately need to sell players this summer if anything to avoid FFP sanctions before June 30.

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KDH for Gallagher

Antonio Conte is believed to be keen to sign Romelu Lukaku – who is available for £36million – after taking charge of Napoli, while Chelsea are also keen to find buyers for Armando Broja, Trevoh Chalobah and – most controversially – Conor Gallagher.

Gallagher was one of the standout performers under Pochettino last season, captaining Chelsea for most of the campaign, but Blues bosses are desperate to get rid of him in the name of pure profit.

Tottenham and Aston Villa are both keen and have been told they will have to pay £50m to sign him.

Maresca will need a replacement and reports claim he will target his former club in a bid to sign Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall.

The midfielder was tracked by Liverpool last season and Maresca sees the 25-year-old as a similar replacement for Gallagher who can step up to shine for Chelsea.

The Foxes are said to want £40m for their star man, who bagged 12 goals and 14 assists last season.