According to Portuguese outlet A Bola, the transfer saga involving Alex Telles to Chelsea takes yet another twist: Porto could offer the Blues a discount on their €40 million asking price for the Brazilian international.
Several reports have emerged in the press over the past few months claiming that Chelsea have identified the 27-year-old as a cheaper and more affordable alternative to Leicester City’s Ben Chilwell, who is expected to cost well in excess of £60 million.
Porto had previously slapped a price tag of around €40 million on Telles amidst strong interest from Stamford Bridge, but if the latest report is to be believed, the Portuguese giants could be prepared to lower their demands.
The 27-year-old’s unsettled contract situation at Estadio do Dragao is understood to be the main reason behind such a stance, with Telles’ current deal set to expire in the summer of 2021.
The Brazilian has so far refused to put pen to paper on a new contract, meaning that Porto currently face the risk of losing him for next to nothing in just over 12 months’ time.
Meanwhile, Frank Lampard is expected to be in the summer market for a new left-back, with neither Marcos Alonso nor Emerson Palmieri managing to cement a regular starting role this season.
However, Both Alonso and Emerson have been linked with moves away from West London ahead of the summer window, so a fresh recruit in that position looks very much on the cards.
Chilwell reportedly remains Lampard’s No.1 target but the Blues could be forced to turn their attention to Telles, with Leicester City very much in a strong negotiating position to play hardball over the transfer fee.