Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca can bring in five Championship bargains after scouting mission

Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca is expected to splash the cash this summer to stamp his authority on his newly acquired side. However, the Italian may look to bring in players who he is particularly familiar with as he looks to familiarise himself with life in the Stamford Bridge dugout.

Countless top players have emerged from the Championship over the past few years, such as Blues target Michael Olise, and Maresca could be tempted to consider raiding the second-flight of English football this summer. Express Sport takes a look at who could be an option for Chelsea…

Archie Gray (Leeds United)

Top clubs around Europe have Gray on their shopping list this summer, and it would be a major sign of intent from Chelsea if they won the race to secure his signature. The 18-year-old shone at Elland Road last season, showing maturity beyond his years to play in midfield and right-back. If the Blues were to sign Gray then they would be acquiring the services of a top-quality homegrown player for many years to come.

Jaden Philogene (Hull City)

Chelsea have shown a willingness to sign youngsters and loan them back to different clubs, and they could be tempted to deploy such a tactic with Hull this summer. Philogene, 22, impressed for the Tigers last season with 12 goals and six assists in 32 Championship appearances and could develop into a useful squad player given that he can play on both wings.

Jacob Greaves (Hull City)

Another talented Hull prospect is Greaves, who already has a wealth of experience under his belt aged 23. The centre-back is capable of playing as a left-back too, and he could be viewed as suitable cover for Levi Colwill given their similar profiles and a player who can put pressure on the big-money stars in the Chelsea backline.

Yaser Asprilla (Watford)

A host of clubs around Europe are monitoring the progress being made by Asprilla at Vicarage Road, and Chelsea could look to steal a march on their rivals by looking to sign the playmaker before he emerges on the radar of top teams. The 20-year-old scored six and assisted seven last season for Watford, and the Colombia international’s performances have seen him tipped for another breakout season in the upcoming campaign.