Report: Chelsea now set sights on signing ‘fantastic’ 19-year-old after his deadline day move collapses

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Chelsea are reportedly setting their sights on Fulham youngster Fabio Carvalho, who reportedly saw a potential move to Liverpool collapse on January’s deadline day.

The 19-year-old was heavily linked with a transfer to Anfield yesterday, but he’ll now finish the rest of the season with current side Fulham.

According to Goal, Liverpool couldn’t finish the paperwork in time to sign the teenager despite agreeing a fee worth £8million.

It is understood Liverpool may continue in the next few weeks to try sort a future deal. However, they could now face competition.

The report explains Chelsea, Bayern Munich and Borussia Dortmund are among the clubs interested in the attacker ahead of this summer. With his contract expiring at the end of this season, the race for his signature may be about to hot up.

Carvalho, who’s one of the standout individuals for a Fulham team sat top of the Championship table, is having a great campaign.

The attacking midfielder has seven goals and four assists in just 19 appearances across all competitions this season.

He missed most of September and October due to injuries and illness, but the way he’s been lighting up the second division made Liverpool desperate to get him.

Fulham boss Marco Silva waxed lyrical about the “fantastic” talent at the beginning of the season.

Chelsea don’t need him

Carvalho definitely looks an exciting young talent who’s ready for the Premier League, but it’s hard to picture him in a Chelsea shirt.

He’s so effective operating in a number 10 playmaker role, something which doesn’t really exist in any of Thomas Tuchel’s formations.

It’s going to be interesting to see how Chelsea’s midfield takes shape next season, though.

For example, will it be possible to slot Blues loanee Conor Gallagher right into the starting line-up?

Tuchel’s got a job on his hands trying to find the right formula to get the best out of his players in the top end of the pitch.

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