Djordje Petrovic appears to have been left out of Chelsea’s Club World Cup squad for this month amid speculative transfer links with Leeds United.
While it is thought the plan was always to omit this season’s loan players, the widely-reported decision - first shared by The Telegraph - has raised eyebrows given the Blues failed to land AC Milan shot-stopper Mike Maignan before Thursday’s transfer deadline. Incoming goalkeeper Mike Penders looks set to be taken Stateside instead.
Petrovic - loaned to Strasbourg last term - is the subject of reports linking him with a move away. Leeds have been touted as one interest party, though this has yet to be substantiated. The Whites are, however, expected to hunt for a new goalkeeper this summer.
Illan Meslier was dropped for the final seven games of the season and faces an uncertain future as a result. Meslier, new number one Karl Darlow and third-choice Alex Cairns enter the final year of their contracts next month.
Ahead of his return to Chelsea, Petrovic said he had enjoyed his spell at Strasbourg - where he kept 10 clean sheets in 31 games - and would have liked “to continue for a few more weeks”. Meanwhile, United’s interest in his loan teammate Habib Diarra has been established.
A bid of £22million has been tabled, though the club are not optimistic of finding an agreement and it is understood that the player and his entourage have their sights set on top end European outfits.
Strasbourg are also one of a handful of clubs who are tracking United striker Mateo Joseph, who described losing his starting spot to Joel Piroe earlier last season as a “blow”. Real Betis also hold interest, having seen an initial offer with more than £10m rejected in February.
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On the other foot, United are more confident of landing Udinese defender Jaka Bijol, who is open to a move to the Premier League and has refused to close the door on a summer exit.
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