Chelsea and Brighton & Hove Albion are reportedly contemplating whether to make an approach for a Stoke City prospect.
The two Premier League clubs are currently without a head coach for next season courtesy of the departures of Mauricio Pochettino and Roberto De Zerbi.
In both instances, the respective managers and clubs mutually agreed to go their separate ways, partly a consequence due to the strategic models that are in place over transfers.
With that in mind, though, it effectively means that the bulk of the work in the transfer market is conducted by members of the hierarchy, rather than taking on advices from whoever is in the lead position in the dugout.
Both teams are expected to be busy in the market this summer, both in terms of adding senior players to the squad as well as attempting to acquire more younger talent.
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Stoke City teenager emerges as transfer target
Neither club are shy in making investments in their academy setups and it appears they could rival each other for a player who has earned senior experience with Stoke during 2023-24.
According to Footmercato, Sol Sidibe has made a positive impression on the Blues, the Seagulls and other teams in Europe.
Despite only turning 17 years of age in February, Sidibe was provided with one start and seven substitute outings by the Championship club this campaign.
That said, his one start came on the opening day of the campaign, playing 87 minutes as the Potters recorded a 2-1 victory over West Bromwich Albion.
Sidibe did not feature between January 6 and the start of May, but he did play the final 15 minutes of a 4-0 win over Bristol City on May 4.
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Chelsea and Brighton face competition?
The report adds that Rangers, Juventus and Monaco are other clubs who have identified Sidibe as a potential transfer target ahead of the summer window.
Stoke allegedly have little interest in cashing in on Sidibe for the time being, with the starlet possessing a contract until the end of 2025-26.
Nevertheless, much may depend on the level of fee that is proposed with Stoke ready to rebuild under Steven Schumacher after narrowly avoiding relegation to League One.
Sidibe is currently representing England Under-18s, yet being born in Paris leaves him open to playing for France in the future.
Darren Plant
