Chelsea defender Renato Veiga is allegedly attracting interest from two Premier League clubs during the early stages of the January transfer window.
The 21-year-old has made a total of 11 starts and six substitute appearances since arriving from Basel during the summer.
However, the Portugal international has seemingly dropped down the pecking order since his last start, which came against Shamrock Rovers in the Conference League on December 19.
While Enzo Maresca has been short of players to deputise for the injured Wesley Fofana and Benoit Badiashile, Veiga has remained without a second top-flight start of the season.
According to the Daily Mail, two Premier League clubs are contemplating whether to make a sustained bid to sign the versatile youngster.
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Which Premier League teams hold an interest?
The report alleges that Bournemouth and Wolverhampton Wanderers are interested in adding Veiga to their respective squads over the coming weeks.
In the case of Wolves, new head coach Vitor Pereira is potentially in the market for two new central defenders. Emmanuel Agbadou is already on the verge of joining from Reims.
As for Bournemouth, Veiga would be viewed as someone who could challenge for a starting spot in several roles, but Andoni Iraola's priorities have changed over the past 48 hours.
Forwards Evanilson and Enes Unal have both been ruled out in the long term. Evanilson has suffered a broken metatarsal, while Unal has sustained another serious knee injury.
Therefore, Iraola now needs to sign at least one centre-forward as soon as possible, theoretically putting any move for Veiga on the backburner.
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Where does Veiga sit on Chelsea's list of available players?
A recent report suggested that Chelsea are prepared to consider offers for as many as nine players in January as they bid to generate the funds for a new centre-back.
Alleged top target Marc Guehi of Crystal Palace will cost at least £55m, and Chelsea are currently not in a position to sign the England international courtesy of their position with the Premier League's Profit and Sustainability regulations.
With Veiga on a long-term contract and earning less than some of the other players said to be available, any exit for Veiga is likely to be on loan unless Chelsea are able to generate in excess of the £12m that they paid for his signature.
Napoli are reportedly among the other clubs who are monitoring his situation at the West Londoners.
Darren Plant
