Fabrizio Romano has weighed in on reports that the likes of Chelsea and Tottenham are interested in signing Villarreal winger Yeremy Pino.

The two London clubs (along with Arsenal) have been linked with the Spaniard in recent months, but Romano believes that a transfer in January is not likely at this stage:

“I’m aware of some recent Tottenham and Chelsea transfer rumours and I can say it’s normal that many clubs in England including London clubs are following Yeremy Pino. He’s a top talent and he’s represented by Stellar Group which is super strong in Premier League. At the moment there are no advanced talks yet, we will see in 2023; I’m not sure he’s going to leave in January unless a big proposal arrives.”

Pino reportedly has an €80m (£69m) release clause but it was suggested back in the summer that Villarreal may be open to selling up for around €50m (£43m).

The 20-year-old is usually deployed as a right winger, which may suggest that he is being considered as an option if Hakim Ziyech does leave Stamford Bridge when the transfer window reopens.

The Moroccan international spoke out about his future whilst away at the World Cup and, while he did not confirm he is seeking to leave the Blues, he did not deny it either:

“It’s hard to say, difficult to say. We don’t know what will happen in the winter. It’s football, so it’s difficult to say.”

Other wingers, including Aston Villa’s Leon Bailey and Brighton’s Leandro Trossard, have also been suggested as potential targets so we shall see who ends up being the preferred option.