Chelsea have joined the race for Sporting Lisbon starlet Dario Essugo, amid his links to Leeds United.
This is according to The Sun, who have labelled the Blues long-term admirers of the midfielder, who is currently on loan at Las Palmas.
Essugo, 19, has found his game time limited at his parent club and with this, it's no surprise that he has gone out on loan a couple of times.
Joining then-fellow Portuguese top-tier side Chaves in January this year, he then made another temporary switch in August, making the move to Las Palmas.
Currently doing well out in Gran Canaria and featuring at a youth international level for Portugal, that has allowed the teenager to attract interest from elsewhere.
Dario Essugo's 2024/25 loan spell at Essugo
(Source: Sofascore | League games only)
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(Figures correct as of December 22nd, 2024)
He isn't the first Sporting man to attract interest from elsewhere in 2024, with their former boss Ruben Amorim making the move to Manchester United back in November and their star striker Viktor Gyokeres also being linked with an exit after managing to impress in the final third.
Leeds United to face Chelsea competition for Dario Essugo
Leeds are believed to be keen on the 19-year-old - and it has been reported by The Sun that they tried to get a deal over the line for the player during the summer transfer window.
They were unable to succeed in their quest in the end, but that hasn't prevented them from reigniting their interest in the midfielder ahead of January, with the Whites targeting a loan-to-buy agreement.
Daniel Farke's side could potentially be limited in what they are able to spend in January, even though they cashed in on four key players in the summer, so a loan-to-buy deal could end up suiting them.
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Wrexham are the latest club to express an interest in signing Joe Gelhardt in January.
However, they aren't the only side believed to be in the mix for Essugo, with the Blues keen to land him on a "cheap" deal.
Enzo Maresca's side could have the resources to secure a permanent deal, without the need to loan him in first.
Leeds United should look to win Dario Essugo race
Daniel Farke celebrates post Leeds United 3-1 Middlesbrough
Leeds will need to address their midfield area in the next couple of windows.
Ethan Ampadu may be on his way back and Ilia Gruev is also an option when he returns, along with current option Ao Tanaka, but Joe Rothwell and Josuha Guilavogui both see their stays end at Elland Road at the end of the season, as things stand.
Bringing in 19-year-old Essugo, who is already impressing in the Spanish top tier, should be something Leeds are seriously considering.
They can't afford to breach financial limits - because that could restrict the business they are able to do in the future.
But bringing in Essugo is something they should look to do if they can. They will hope the Blues don't end up making an offer.