Chelsea look to Bosnian full-back after James injury

Chelsea will be hoping to build on their Carabao Cup victory over Newcastle United when they face Wolves on Sunday. 

Mauricio Pochettino’s side trailed for much of their quarter-final tie on Tuesday, before substitute Mykhaylo Mudryk scored in added time to make the score 1-1 and send the game to penalties.

The Blues then ran out 4-2 winners on penalties, with Kieran Trippier and Matt Ritchie missing their spotkicks for the visitors.

Championship side Middlesborough await Pochettino’s team in January, with a place in the final at Wembley on offer for the winner.

In the meantime, it appears that Chelsea could use the January transfer window to source a replacement for the injured Reece James.

As per The Sun, the Blues are hoping to sign RB Salzburg star Amar Dedic.

The 21-year-old right-back has impressed for the Austrian side so far this season, scoring five goals and providing three assists across all competitions.

Dedic has attracted interest from some of Europe’s biggest clubs

His impressive performances have attracted interest from fellow Premier League side Newcastle, the report claims, while Arsenal, Inter Milan and AS Roma are also interested.

The Blues are said to have scouted Dedic on several occasions so far this term, including at all of Salzburg’s Champions League matches.

Dedic, a 12-time Bosnia and Herzegovina international, joined Salzburg from fellow Austrian side FC Liefering back in 2020 and spent time on loan at Wolfsberger two years ago.

In total he has made 64 appearances for the club across all competitions, including 25 so far this season.

Chelsea captain James is set for another spell on the sidelines after being forced off during Chelsea’s loss to Everton earlier this month.

The England international has struggled with injuries throughout his senior career with the Blues, missing more than 90 games for his club in total.