Ruben Amorim has previously heaped praise on Dario Essugo, who has emerged as a potential target for Chelsea. The 19-year-old midfielder has been linked with a move to Stamford Bridge on deadline day as Enzo Maresca looks to bolster his options in the middle of the park.

Essugo, who sees his contract at the José Alvalade Stadium expire in June 2027, has featured 14 times in La Liga this season while on loan at Las Palmas. Playing a key role in Diego Martínez's side, the Portugal Under-21 international has steered the club away from the relegation zone.

His impressive performances in the Spanish top-flight have reportedly attracted the interest of some top clubs in Europe, including Chelsea. In fact, according to Portuguese outlet Record, Essugo is 'very close' to joining the Blues in a deal worth €20m (£16.6m).

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The publication states that the teenager has a €45m (£37.4m) release clause in his contract with Sporting – which, if reports are to be believed, would mean the Blues are benefitting from a €25m (£20.8m) discount on his fee. Before Chelsea can welcome Essugo to Stamford Bridge, Amorim's former employers will need to recall him from his loan.

Record add that Real Sociedad are also interested in signing the Blues target, meanwhile, Fabrizio Romano has verified the Blues' interest, claiming talks with Sporting have taken place. If Chelsea were to sign Essugo, he wouldn't be eligible to play an official match for the club until next season.

FIFA regulations on the status and transfer of players state: "Players may be registered with a maximum of three clubs during one season. During this period, the player is only eligible to play official matches for two clubs."

Essugo was just 16 when Amorim handed him his senior debut in the Portuguese top-flight. Speaking to reporters after Sporting defeated Vitoria Guimarães 1-0 in March 2021, the now-Manchester United boss was quizzed on his decision to throw the school boy into the deep end.

As quoted by MAGG, Amorim said: "[Dario] is a very talented kid. [And this] is a message for the youngsters. Age doesn’t matter. Sporting is on this path. Those kids who have doubts between clubs know that the door is open to them here.

"That makes a difference. Congratulations to Dario, who deserved it. He was called to training, performed his duties and showed great quality in the two weeks he worked with us."

Speaking to reporters ahead of Chelsea's clash against West Ham, Enzo Maresca was asked whether he expects any signings on deadline day. Keeping his cards close to his chest, the Blues boss said: "You can expect players to arrive and you can expect players to be leaving.

"It is like this in this moment. I don't have any ideas about the ones that can leave, and the ones that can arrive. Anything can happen. For me, the main focus is on 48 hours, the game is the main focus and the most important thing."