Enzo Fernandez's future remains one of the biggest talking points surrounding Chelsea this summer.
The Argentine has been twerking for a move to Real Madrid for several months, and although the Blues are adamant they won't sell for less than £120 million, Los Blancos' need for a new central midfielder means speculation has continued.
There is no doubting signing Fernandez would be a very difficult deal, though, and according to recent reports, Jose Mourinho may have already identified a much cheaper alternative.
Jose Mourinho big fan of Sporting Lisbon's Morten Hjulmand
According to Portuguese outlet Record (via Sports Witness), Hjulmand has emerged as a player attracting serious attention from Real Madrid.
Mourinho rates the Denmark international highly and wouldn't mind bringing him to the Santiago Bernabeu in time for next season. Currently valued at £45 million and with just two years left on his contract, Hjulmand would be the easy player to sign.
From Chelsea's perspective, should Los Blancos go all out for the 26-year-old, it could all but end Fernandez's chances of moving to Spain... At least to Madrid, anyway.
Since joining Sporting Lisbon from Italian side Leece in 2023, Hjulmand, who has 27 senior international caps to his name, has been directly involved in 22 goals in 141 matches in all competitions.
How Morten Hjulmand feels about the links
The Sporting captain is said to have recently become aware of Mourinho's admiration and was reportedly "honoured" by the interest. Hardly a surprising reaction given the Mourinho's reputation.
There is also no bigger compliment in football than being linked with Real Madrid, especially when one of the game's most successful managers is the one pushing to get a deal done.
For Hjulmand, even just being mentioned in the same breath as Los Blancos proves just how far he's come over the last few seasons.
This isn't just about the Sporting Lisbon skipper, though. Madrid's pursuit will have serious implications for Fernandez, who may yet find himself staying at Stamford Bridge for at least another season.
And with Xabi Alonso set to take charge from July 1, the Spaniard will want the future of one of the side's most important players decided sooner rather than later.
Alonso will need to know if he is to build his new look Chelsea midfield with the Argentine in mind, or if he should start drawing a list of suitable replacements.
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