Chelsea 'attempt to block medical' in last-gasp bid to hijack Dewsbury-Hall transfer

Chelsea have reportedly told Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall to delay having his medical with Brighton as they ponder over making a move for the Leicester City midfielder.

Enzo Maresca is keen to orchestrate a major rebuild of his recently acquired squad this summer and has identified Dewsbury-Hall as one of his top targets after working with him at the King Power Stadium.

The Englishman scored 12 goals and registered 14 assists for the Foxes last season, which has caught the attention of Brighton, among other top clubs. The Seagulls were closing in on a deal for Dewsbury-Hall, with an agreement reached between the clubs which would have seen Jakub Moder head in the opposite and join Leicester.

However, Brighton’s plans appear to have been scuppered by Chelsea. According to Polish outlet Meczyki, the Blues have enquired about the availability of Dewsbury-Hall and told the player to delay his medical whilst they discuss a potential move.

Maresca has ‘stepped in at the last minute’ to speak with the playmaker, with his deal with Brighton now in jeopardy.

Moder is said to still be keen to join Leicester regardless of the situation, though it may now be in a separate individual deal whilst Chelsea decide whether they want to enter negotiations with the Foxes for Dewsbury-Hall.

With Leicester keen to offload players before 1 July to avoid any further Profit and Sustainability Rules issues, the higher powers at the club will be keen for negotiations to advance sooner rather than later to ensure that they can get a deal over the line before the deadline.

If Chelsea do decide to table an offer for Dewsbury-Hall, it remains to be seen how he slots into Maresca’s plans at the club.

Conor Gallagher is the most likely candidate to pave the way for the potential new signing as he has entered the final two years of his contract with the Blues and has been tipped to leave the club on numerous occasions over the past few seasons.

The England international is keen to prove his worth at Stamford Bridge though, despite the likes of Tottenham and Aston Villa being among his suitors.