TWTD understands Premier League Burnley are now the front-runners to sign former Blues loanee Jens Cajuste from Serie A champions Napoli, despite Italian claims of a renewed Town approach for the Sweden international.
Over the weekend, the 25-year-old, who is not in head coach Antonio Conte’s plans at Napoli, appeared set to join Turkish side Besiktas on loan - for an initial fee of €1 million (£863,000) with a €6.5 million (£5.6 million) buy option - with a reports that a medical had been pencilled in.
However, yesterday it emerged that the player was still to make his mind on the switch and the move was on hold.
Last night, an Italian report claimed that that hesitation had been caused by a new Blues approach, Town boss Kieran McKenna having made it clear at the end of the season that he would like the former Reims man to return to Portman Road following his impressive loan spell, but while accepting "there’s probably a lot to do for that to happen”.
However, while the Blues still retain an interest in Cajuste, there has been no new move over the last 24 hours.
We understand newly promoted Burnley are now leading the chase, while the Besiktas deal is not yet dead, although with the Istanbul club close to signing another midfielder, Turkish international Orkun Kökçü, from Benfica.
Italian reports are also linking Sevilla, with Napoli claimed to have offered Cajuste as a makeweight in a deal to sign 21-year-old Spain U23 international winger Juanlu.
However, as it stands, it appears a return to the Premier League with Burnley, where he would link-up with former Town teammate Axel Tuanzebe, who signed on at Turf Moor on a free transfer earlier in the window, looks the most likely move for Cajuste this summer.
The one-time Midtjylland man made 26 starts and seven sub appearances for the Blues during 2024/25, scoring once, and was beaten to the Supporters Player of the Year award by Liam Delap by only 36 votes.