Transfer Talk: Chelsea eyeing move for Seagulls star Webster

Chelsea are considering a move for Brighton defender Adam Webster as they look to ease their looming crisis at the back.

The centre-back was on target in a 2-0 victory for the Seagulls on Saturday, adding to an impressive season overall.

The Blues are expected to be in the market for defensive reinforcements in the summer with first-team regulars Antonio Rudiger, Cesar Azpilicueta and Andreas Christensen all out of contract.

With talks stalling over new deals for all three, they are highly expected to depart Stamford Bridge.

That leaves manager Thomas Tuchel extremely light in that area and the Express say Webster, 27, is a target as he continues to impress at the Amex Stadium.

He has been praised for his impressive ability to play out from the back, an attribute which would suit Tuchel’s possession-based approach at Chelsea.

Newcastle showed interest in a £20million move during the January transfer window but, after being rebuffed by Brighton, signed team-mate Dan Burn instead.

Such is Webster’s form, the former Bristol City man has even been tipped as a candidate to be called up to Gareth Southgate’s England squad.

On a potential call-up for his defender, Seagulls boss Graham Potter said: “He has to be playing in the Premier League regularly to be mentioned in those terms.

“But in terms of his attributes, I don’t see anybody else with the same level as Adam Webster has. If you want to build from the back and carry the ball and progress the game, he is fantastic and that is his quality.

“It is now a case of him enjoying his football with us, keep being on the pitch and being injury free and then anything is possible with him.”

In other news

Spanish outlet Sport say Azpilicueta has agreed terms to join Barcelona in the summer.

The report indicates Barca are also working on a deal to secure a move for team-mate Christensen.

Borussia Dortmund are confident of reaching an agreement to sign highly-rated FC Salzburg striker Karim Adeyemi, according to Fabrizio Romano.

The 20-year-old is set to sign a five-year deal at the Signal Iduna Park following an impressive season in Austria where he has scored 18 goals in 29 games.

Romano also claims Edinson Cavani is expected to leave Manchester United when his contract expires at the end of the season. 

The Uruguayan, 34, is prioritising a move to LaLiga side but a return to South America is also on the cards.