Chelsea are interested in signing Leeds United holding midfielder Tyler Adams, according to The Times.

The Blues are keen on reinforcing their options in the middle of the park and the United States National Team captain has been identified as a potential target.

Adams only joined Leeds from RB Leipzig for £20m last year but, after the Whites’ relegation to the Championship, he could be on the move again this summer.

It is believed that the 24-year-old has a release clause in his contract, which is similar to the fee that Leeds paid for the player. It became active once the Yorkshire club lost their top-flight status.

With Chelsea struggling to agree a transfer fee with Brighton for Moises Caicedo, Adams could well be an economical solution.

Chelsea have drawn up a shortlist of midfield targets

In addition to Adams and Caicedo, the Blues are said to be looking at three other midfielders, who could all be pursued before the transfer window closes.

Southampton’s Romeo Lavia is a long-term target, with co-Director of Recruitment and Talent Joe Shields championing the signing of the Belgian.

Ajax’s Edson Alvarez remains on the club’s radar, despite having had a €50m (£43m) knocked back for the Mexican international last summer. Celtia Vigo’s Gabri Veiga is also being watched.

Pochettino has asked for “more experience” in midfield

The sudden focus on signing midfielders seems to be at the behest of manager Mauricio Pochettino, who recently said:

“It’s obvious that maybe we need to reinforce this area. We need experience in midfield.”

Out of the five players that the Blues are looking at, you have to say that Adams does have the most experience, so we shall have to wait and see whether the London club do make a concerted effort to recruit the American in the coming days and weeks.