Chelsea scouting American youth international

Chelsea have deployed their chief scout to monitor the form of United States under-20 international Rokas Pukstas, who currently plays in Croatia with Hajduk Split. The 19-year-old midfielder had previously trialled with Man Utd in 2019, before opting to move to his current club, and is available for a fee of around 15 million euros.

The versatile midfielder can play anywhere in central midfield, operating as a defensive holding player or an attacking outlet, and this is one of the attributes that has convinced Chelsea to table a transfer bid. The Oklahoma-born player has expressed his wish to make a move to the Premier League, and wChelsea are expected to make an official bid before the close of the transfer window.

Pukstas could then return to Hajduk on loan for the 2024-25 season and continue his development.

With 12 goals in 50 league appearances for Hajduk, the player is a goalscoring midfielder and last season returned 7 goals in 28 games. 

He is expected to eventually receive a call up to the USA national team and take part at the World Cup in his home country in 2026.