Chelsea are poised to turn their attentions to Juventus star Paul Pogba, after emerging as favourites to sign Barcelona winger Pedro.
That is the opinion of bookmakers Betfair, who quoted their odds on the Premier League champions signing Pogba before the transfer window closes at 6/4.
Manchester City, who thumped the Stamford Bridge side 3-0 on Sunday, are second favourites for Pogba’s signature at 4/1.
Betfair believe the controversy between Blues boss Jose Mourinho and physio Eva Carneiro was a distraction, while the move for Pogba has been kept under the radar.
Michael Bowers, Football Trader for Betfair, said: “After a flood of bets on Chelsea to sign Paul Pogba, the Blues have been cut from 7/1 to 6/4 favourite.
“This market has attracted a huge amount of attention in recent weeks, with all the momentum behind Barcelona and Man City to win the race for the player’s signature.
“But it looks like the Eva Carneiro saga may have simply provided the perfect smoke screen for Mourinho to bring the Juventus star into the squad completely under the radar.”
Mourinho has reportedly been frustrated with Chelsea’s transfer activity this summer, or rather the lack of it. He is said to be annoyed particularly with the lack of defensive cover being brought in. Owner Roman Abramovich has long been more focused on transfer targets by name or status rather than position.
This was part of the reason Mourinho left Chelsea the first time: Abramovich influential in bringing in Fernando Torres and Andrii Shevchenko, players Mourinho didn’t particularly want.
by Steve Osborne
