Enzo Maresca has been talking transfers at the Club World Cup
Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca(Image: FIFA via Getty Images)
Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has refused to rule out a summer departure for defender Trevoh Chalobah amid transfer interest from Newcastle United.
The 25-year-old is one of several central defenders linked with a move to St James' Park, with United looking for more longer-term options at the back.
Eddie Howe has seen Fabian Schar and Dan Burn record another impressive season in the heart of the Newcastle defence, but is acutely aware that both are approaching the latter stages of their playing career.
They are expected to continue to play an important role in the coming campaign, but with Sven Botman back to full fitness, United are keen to plan for the future by signing a right-sided centre-back to form a potential long-term partnership with the Dutchman.
Chalobah has been on United's radar for some time, and has made significant progress in the last 12 months. He was sent on loan to Crystal Palace last summer, but was recalled by Chelsea in January.
He went on to play a role in their Champions League qualification and their UEFA Conference League victory, playing the full 90 minutes as the Blues defeated Real Betis in the final.
Last month saw him make his senior England debut in the friendly against Senegal, and he is part of Chelsea's squad for the Club World Cup, where he has made two appearances to date.
Trevoh Chalobah of Chelsea
Trevoh Chalobah has been linked with Newcastle
However he continues to be linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge, and while Maresca would like to keep him in his squad, he admitted that he didn't know what the future held.
"In this moment all the players that are with us I don't want to lose them, but we have said many times that when the transfer window is open many things can happen, to buy a player or to sell a player," the Chelsea manager said.
"Trevoh came back to us in January, if we did a Champions League spot and top four spot it's also because of Trev, he helped us a lot. In this moment he also plays some games for us, we are happy with him.
"Anything can happen but not only for Trev but all 25 players in the squad."
Chelsea are looking to make significant transfer signings this summer, with Liam Delap one of four deals already concluded. They are set to confirm Jamie Gittens' £50m move from Borussia Dortmund soon and have seen a bid for Newcastle target Joao Pedro turned down.
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