Leeds United are reportedly among the clubs who are eyeing a loan deal for Chelsea forward Marc Guiu.
Blues head coach Enzo Maresca admitted during a press conference on Friday that he had been left delighted with the progress of the former Barcelona youngster.
The recently-turned 19-year-old has contributed six goals - all of which have come in the Conference League - from 12 appearances in all competitions.
With Nicolas Jackson having struggled for goals over the past six weeks and continued uncertainty surrounding the future of Joao Felix and Christopher Nkunku, Guiu could feature regularly in the senior squad going forward.
Nevertheless, as per Alan Nixon, who was reporting on Patreon, there are four Championship teams who are monitoring the situation.
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Which Championship clubs want Guiu?
Nixon alleges that Leeds are among the teams who are ready to negotiate a deal with Chelsea should it become apparent that a loan is a possibility.
Burnley, Middlesbrough and West Bromwich Albion are also credited with an interest in the teenager ahead of Monday's transfer deadline.
Chelsea officials will be left with a decision to make over whether there is any benefit to allowing Guiu to go elsewhere.
That call may not be made until it is established which over squad players are allowed to depart, either on a permanent or temporary basis.
If an acceptable offer is made for Felix or Nkunku, Maresca may be prepared to promote Guiu to second-choice behind Jackson, the Spaniard arguably a more suitable pick down the middle of the attack than the aforementioned star duo.
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Which club needs Guiu the most?
On the back of a 7-0 victory over Cardiff City that established a five-point advantage in the Championship automatic promotion race, Leeds do not necessarily need to add Guiu to their ranks.
Daniel Farke's side have also been linked with Sevilla attacker Kelechi Iheanacho, albeit a deal for the high-earning Nigeria international likely to cost more than an agreement for Guiu.
West Brom have just added Tottenham Hotspur youngster Will Lankshear to their squad and theoretically will now target other areas.
Middlesbrough may soon require a replacement for Emmanuel Latte Lath, while Burnley have scored just 36 times in the Championship this season, the joint-11th best return.
Therefore, joining either one of the latter two teams would make most sense for all parties, there scope for Guiu slotting straight into their respective starting lineups.
Darren Plant
