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transfer news: Blues receive boost in bid for cheaper Kai Havertz alternative

Chelsea have received a boost in their bid to sign Said Benrahma as a cheaper alternative to Kai Havertz, as Brentford have reportedly identified a replacement for the Algerian winger. Reports claim the Bees have lined up Portsmouth winger Ronan Curtis as a target if Benrahma seals his move to Stamford Bridge.

Related articles Chelsea fans mock Man Utd over top-four race after late drama Man Utd boss Solskjaer defiant on top four race as Chelsea get let off Benrahma is reportedly viewed as a cheaper option for Frank Lampard ahead of the summer window.

The Algerian forward has been on fire in the Championship this season, and is expected to move on regardless of Brentford's fate.

Thomas Frank's side are currently third in the table, but it appears unlikely they will leapfrog West Brom into the automatic places.

Benrahma has bagged himself 17 goals and nine assists from 40 Championship games this season, having missed the start of the season due to speculation over his future.

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Chelsea transfer news: Blues receive boost in bid for cheaper Kai Havertz alternative (Image: GETTY) After his incredible form of late, he has earned himself attention from the Premier League, with Leicester and Arsenal both interested in his services.

But Chelsea are believed to be at the front of the queue, with club chiefs keen to bring in a cheaper alternative to Havertz.

The Blues have already forked out £90million on both Timo Werner and Hakim Ziyech, and are now expected to be careful with their spending.

And that transfer policy could be put into effect if they decide to go for Benrahma over Havertz, as the latter will set them back another £90m.

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Related articles Man Utd suffer major double injury blow ahead of Chelsea clash Man Utd boss Solskjaer 'annoyed' after Chelsea stay third in table READ MORE Frank Lampard given unpopular advice by former Chelsea ace after loss Their bid to sign the 24-year-old Championship star was boosted on Monday by the news that Brentford have started identifying replacements.

The Bees are known for their transfer market prowess, having turned a consistent profit in recent years.

And Curtis is set to become their next target, having scored 11 goals in 33 League 1 appearances for Pompey this season.

Meanwhile, however, Kevin Phillips has warned Chelsea officials that Benrahma might not be up to the standard of the Premier League just yet.

Chelsea transfer news: Blues receive boost in bid for cheaper Kai Havertz alternative (Image: GETTY) Related articles Chelsea step up efforts to sign the 'next Zinedine Zidane' Premier League predictions: Chelsea, Arsenal, Man Utd results READ MORE Man Utd move to signing Chelsea transfer target in surprise deal "He's a good player, he's a very, very consistent player," Phillips told Quest.

"He's scored an awful lot of goals this season, he's technically a very good player

"You could see him dropping into one of those top six teams, but it’s a big jump from the Championship to the Premier League, I’m not going to get too carried away, but I think he probably could do it.

"He can win a game on his own."

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