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.

Photo: Matchday Images

boysof1981 added 07:23 - Jul 9 Sweepstake on who the next club is linked. I’ll go for Leeds. This getting so tiresome now.
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atty added 08:05 - Jul 9 Apparently, we began talks with him at the end of the season, and talks were “ongoing”, so in the absence of a deal it seems clear he was waiting for test offer. I do hope that the Club weren’t wasting too much time on this. Time which could have been better spent on realistic targets. Back in training and one signing. Also replacements n needed for Lee Grant, Klug, the analytics guy and the Operations Director.Hmmm.

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Linkboy13 added 08:43 - Jul 9 If he's such a fantastic awesome player why are Napoli so desperate to get rid of him . Don't see many Premier league clubs queuing up for his signature after lighting up the division last season .
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Writtleblue added 08:48 - Jul 9 I'm getting my haircut today.
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blueboy1981 added 08:51 - Jul 9 So much nonsense on here now - lets be having some proper news instead of Hissy Fit and Kids stuff.
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Tedray added 08:51 - Jul 9 It is all very odd -the fan base has heard nothing from the leadership regarding either last years failure where we currently stand as well as plans for the future. The buzz and good feeling over the last several years is gradually starting to evaporate - surly we want to start off again on a high.
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del45 added 10:10 - Jul 9 TWTD please take this off now and wait till we get some different news?
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jas0999 added 10:42 - Jul 9 Very unlikely that he will return. Hopefully a couple of excellent new additions this week. Really like and rate Hirst, but his injury record is a concern. Would assume we would like a new addition prior to the Austria trip. Lots of activity in the championship, with millions spent. Season starts in less than one month. Strange we are not being linked to anyone. Perhaps another Ashton masterclass.

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dirtydingusmagee added 11:07 - Jul 9 armchaircritic , thats my thinking too .
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finidi added 11:48 - Jul 9 Is this a player that we can really realy on for a hard championship season still with that dodgy knee who Brentford rejected because of that without doubt talented but do we want to waste so much time like the Szmodics saga and Philogene so it's a no from me.
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del45 added 12:37 - Jul 9 Southampton have today just signed U S striker for 7m age 21.
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blues1 added 14:45 - Jul 9 What id like to know is this? If as quoted on here, burnley are now favourites to sign him, how come theres nothing on their site even mentioning his name. Let alone the "fact" they're favourites for his signature?
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Runner added 16:08 - Jul 9 Just to add my Input to the debate: Chelsea sign a player & a day or two later scores 2 goals in a world club semi final,
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Runner added 16:09 - Jul 9 Sorry, fatt finngerss. I was going to finish by saying... So much for bedding players on.
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