Manchester City have emerged as a potential destination for Pedro Neto.
The Citizens are in a similar position as Chelsea this summer. After Pep Guardiola made way for Enzo Maresca, the former Chelsea head coach is now in charge of overhauling his squad; the same as Xabi Alonso at Stamford Bridge.
The Italian is tasked with making City champions again, but in order to do that, will need to add more quality in depth.
Due to Maresca's connection at west London, the eight-time Premier League champions have already been linked with a move for Malo Gusto but the Blues' asking price has seen their interest cool.
Another player has emerged as a target for the 46-year-old, though.
Manchester City add Pedro Neto to transfer shortlist
According to the Daily Mail, Maresca is keen to bring Neto to the Etihad following their time working together at Chelsea.
Neto was one of the Blues' most played players during Maresca's time in charge. He made 77 appearances in all competitions, including 54 in the Premier League, scoring 15 goals and registering 12 assists.
Now keen to be reunited with the Portugal international, Maresca is hoping his new employers can find a way to bring the 26-year-old to Manchester.
Chelsea are not actively looking to offload Neto but would consider a deal if an offer within the region of the £75 million is made.
Enzo Maresca has already hinted at why he wants Neto reunion
Although it may seem like these latest links have come out of nowhere, Maresca has always rated Neto very highly.
Speaking to Chelsea's official website back in November about the winger's best qualities which includes a brutally high work rate, Maresca said: "We know that we cannot ask the same things of Estevao as Pedro Neto.
"We cannot ask Estevao to drop off and be a full-back sometimes like Pedro; he’s a different player with a different set of qualities. But all of them need to make sacrifices."
City aren't blessed with a lot of options at right-back. Matheus Nunes did a decent job there last season, but the 27-year-old is no where near the same level as the league's best right-backs.
It's possible Maresca feels he can't get an upgrade on Nunes, which makes his pursuit of Neto make a lot more sense.
The former Wolves star's ability to track back and help out in defence makes him an attractive option, and even more so following his experience working with City's new manager.
It remains to be seen how much the Blue Moon are willing to pay for Neto, though. Liverpool are also linked with a move for Chelsea's number seven.
Neto has five years left on his contract.
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