Chelsea are reportedly demanding a premium transfer fee for Renato Veiga that would see them potentially make a huge splash on the club's unsettled player just months after his arrival.
Veiga joined Chelsea from Basel for around £12million in July. The youngster had primarily played in midfield during his only season in Switzerland, but has struggled to command a place in Chelsea's team anywhere other than left-back, a position for first-choice Marc Cucurella.
It seems that Veiga, still only 21, has already grown weary of a situation that has seen him start just once in the Premier League and rarely feature at all in his preferred position, which is centre-back. At the beginning of this month it was claimed that one the agreement on personal terms with Borussia Dortmund has already been reached.
Multiple reports now suggest an exit is on the cards if Chelsea can agree to his terms.
BBC Sport revealed on Sunday night that talks were already underway with Dortmund on an initial loan. Chelsea are looking for a permanent transfer but may be satisfied if an initial temporary deal includes an obligation to buy at the end of the specified period.
Until Monday morning and custody writes that a figure of “more than £20 million” is Chelsea's asking price. Athletics set a firmer figure, citing £29m and adding that the Blues would ask for a sell-on clause to be included.
Enzo Maresca did not seem particularly sympathetic to Veiga's point of view, pointing out that the player who is being called up to the Portugal national team for the first time this season – his three international appearances so far have all come at centre-back, should be. said.
“I had a conversation with Renato. I told him the same thing I told (the media); in terms of playing the position he plays with us, it gave him the opportunity to play for the national team and caused speculation around. him, which means that the clubs are looking at him because he is doing well”, said Maresca.
“If there's a player who wants to play in one position, then they're going to struggle. That's a good thing for the team and the club.”
Asked if it's because Veiga wants to play more regularly, the bald head Chelsea the boss replied: “I've said it many times… I also want long hair (laughs) but we have 24 or 25 players, so it's not possible.”