Chelsea transfer chief Marina Granovskaia has been urged to sign a cheap, short-term alternative to Erling Haaland if she cannot secure a deal for the Norwegian this summer.
Haaland is Chelsea’s top transfer target for the remainder of the window. Borussia Dortmund are keen to keep hold of the 20-year-old for another 12 months at least.
However, reports say Dortmund would reluctantly listen to offers of around £150million.
Haaland has a release clause in his contract which will become active next summer.
More clubs would be able to afford the former Red Bull Salzburg star, with the clause potentially around half the £150m Dortmund would ask for in this window.
Chelsea want to beat others to Haaland’s signature and will go all out but face frustration if they can’t meet Dortmund’s demands.
Inter Milan striker Romelu Lukaku has been linked as an alternative to Haaland.
But former Chelsea midfielder Craig Burley believes it would be smarter for Granovskaia to look for a cheaper option before pursuing Haaland next year.
Burley told ESPN FC: “I think if you’re Chelsea and you’re gung-ho to get Haaland and you don’t think you can pull it off this year, but possibly do it in 12 months time, I think I bide my time and I go out and maybe buy a shorter-term option who is cheaper.
“I’m not suggesting [him], but Tottenham are looking at Danny Ings who has got a goal every two games at Southampton.
“Somebody who can just stick the ball in the back of the net for you short term and will guarantee you off the bench or starting some goals, and wait and bide your time.
“Rather than going splashing your money on somebody like Lukaku, who’s scored a lot of goals but clearly is not on their radar as a first-choice striker.”
Olivier Giroud has left Chelsea to join AC Milan and Tammy Abraham is also linked with a move away from Stamford Bridge.
Burley says there is no doubt Chelsea would sign a striker but would be cautious if it isn’t Haaland.
“I think they will either look to get [Abraham] out on loan or look to sell him,” Burley added.
“With Giroud gone to Milan they will definitely obviously have to bring somebody in.
“But I’m saying I would be a bit more cautious if I don’t get my first choice. I think I’d be patient.”
