Journalist Dean Jones has claimed that Chelsea youngster Carney Chukwuemeka could now be sent on loan to Strasbourg.
He told GiveMeSport that the 19-year-old may now be given the opportunity to prove himself under Patrick Vieira.
Chukwuemeka has played in both of Chelsea’s pre-season games since the Argentine took charge of the club.
These have both so far ended in victories, with the recent win over Brighton being particularly impressive.
Midfield is a position where the Blues are looking particularly light at the moment, with a deal to sign Moises Caicedo still not reportedly imminent.
This has seemingly seen talk over a potential loan for the former Aston Villa man come to a halt, with his strength in depth potentially required.
Chukwuemeka keen to impress Pochettino
Jones has claimed that the player is really keen on proving what he can do to Pochettino.
He said: “The future of Carney Chukwuemeka is going to come more and more in the spotlight as we move through pre-season.
“My information is that the player is extremely determined to make the most of this opportunity to impress a new manager and genuinely believes he could make an impression if he is given a proper chance in the Premier League. But Chelsea are keeping the door open on this one and he could still go.
“One option I think that is going to become more interesting is their recent link-up with Strasbourg. Patrick Vieira has been made first-team boss there for a reason. He’s an expert on the French game and can bring through talent and take both the club and the staff to higher levels.
“Something like that could be key for Carney if he can’t find a way into the Chelsea team right now. I’ve heard it could be an option. At the moment, there is nothing too concrete around it, but this is a player ready to burst onto the scene and he needs to be allowed to shine.”
The Blues are likely to need maybe two quality midfield options before they even consider loaning out Chukwuemeka this summer.