Chelsea make bid for US midfielder Tyler Adams as chase for Moises Caicedo continues

Tyler Adams can offer Mauricio Pochettino a solution to his midfield problems. Credit: AP/Rui Vieira

Chelsea prepare to move to the US Midfielder Tyler Adams will strengthen Mauricio Pochettino's side for the new season and remains committed to signing Moises Caicedo before the start of the campaign.

Adams, 24, is set to leave Leeds United after relegation from the Premier League. Last season, several players in their roster had undisclosed release conditions under which clubs could buy them for a fixed amount.

With the departures of Mateo Kovacic, N'Golo Kante and Ruben Loftus-Cheek this summer, Chelsea sought to strengthen his zone in the center of midfield. Conor Gallagher is also wanted by Tottenham. Caicedo is their main target but no breakthrough so far as Brighton are seeking £100m to sign the Ecuadorian midfielder.

Chelsea received several rejected bids for Caicedo this summer, sources told Telegraph Sport. the latter of which is known to have cost £80m but has given up hope of bringing the 21-year-old to Stamford Bridge.

Adams is seen as a deal independent of Caicedo's pursuit, but also as a player who will compete for a first-team spot under Pochettino. He came out of Leeds' relegation campaign with a still high reputation among European teams, having missed the last two months of the season with an injury.

A few months ago he played in the World Cup with the Americas, where he captained his country in Qatar. After Chelsea showed interest over the weekend, other clubs looking for a central midfielder started asking, but Pochettino still has pole position to get him.

Chelsea will continue to negotiate for Caicedo, but Declan Rice's £105 million transfer from West Ham to Arsenal is considered to be the benchmark for a player of his level, age and potential. Caicedo could cost nine figures to sign, sources say, even if Rice's fee is not the same.

In a busy summer, Chelsea have also been eyeing attacking midfielders including Crystal Palace's Michael Olize and Mohammed Kudus. , for which Brighton is also fighting. Pochettino would also like a striker.

The first match of the Pochettino era will take place this Sunday when Chelsea host Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.