Chelsea have reportedly identified Fulham midfielder Andreas Pereira as a potential replacement for Mason Mount.
With less than 18 months remaining on his contract, the future of Mount is a constant topic for debate, it seemingly becoming increasingly likely that the playmaker will be allowed to depart Stamford Bridge.
A recent report claimed that the academy graduate has signed with a new agent in a bid to negotiate the best possible move for himself in the summer with contract discussions with Chelsea having stalled.
While the relevant parties may still be able to negotiate terms at the end of the season, Chelsea are naturally left to consider alternatives.
That is despite Graham Potter having a wide array of options at his disposal and Christopher Nkunku already on his way from RB Leipzig.
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According to ESPN, club officials have been left impressed by Pereira's development during his time at Craven Cottage.
After winning promotion to the Premier League, the Cottagers secured the signature of the Brazil international from Manchester United in a £10m deal.
Since his arrival, Pereira has started each of Fulham's 27 matches in the top flight, contributing two goals and six assists to establish himself as a key player.
Fulham are also pushing to secure European football for next season and will naturally look to retain Pereira's services come the summer.
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Nevertheless, Chelsea are allegedly one of several top European clubs who may attempt to sign Pereira, who still has over three years left on his contract.
Paris Saint-Germain and Atletico Madrid are said to be monitoring the situation as they contemplate refreshing their respective squads.
The report adds that PSG view Pereira as a possible value-for-money option at a time when they need to make cutbacks during the next transfer window.
Pereira's midfield partner Joao Palhinha has also emerged as a transfer target for numerous higher-profile teams on the back of playing an instrumental role in Fulham's better-than-expected season.
Darren Plant
