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Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri told to snub Mateo Kovacic and copy Liverpool transfer plan
CHELSEA manager Maurizio Sarri should ignore the temptation to sign Mateo Kovacic and spend his money on players who will “make the difference”.
Chelsea players have 'growing respect' for Sarri claims Hislop
That’s according to Tim Sherwood, if Chelsea can even overturn their FIFA-imposed transfer ban.
The Blues are currently banned from registering new players for the next two transfer windows - this summer and January 2020 - after breaching rules relating to the signings of teenage players.
Chelsea have appealed the ban but no decision has been taken as to whether or not the Londoners’ sanctions will be frozen as other clubs who have breached regulations, such as Barcelona and Real Madrid, have been afforded before their bans took effect.
With Chelsea currently unaware as to whether or not they will be allowed to bring new players in this summer, Sarri - although his Stamford Bridge future is not completely certain - will be drawing up plans to improve on his first season at the club.
On-loan midfielder Kovacic is one player the club want to sign with the 26-year-old having been a regular under Sarri. The Italian said last month: “He is only on loan, of course, but I'd like very much that Kovacic will stay with us. In my opinion, Kovacic could become a very good central midfielder.”
The Croatian - who has made 47 appearances this term - has been tipped to join the club on a permanent basis from Real Madrid given the lack of opportunities available to him at the Bernabeu.
But former Tottenham boss Sherwood thinks Sarri should scrap any plans to bring Kovacic to Chelsea permanently and should instead concentrate his funds on acquiring players who will be able to win them matches.
Kovacic’s impact has been debated this season having contributed no goals and just two assists from central midfield and Sherwood thinks Chelsea should learn from Liverpool and how the Reds spent £75million on Virgil van Dijk 18 months ago.
Do not block up the pathway with average players like Kovacic and people like that
The Dutch centre-back was recently crowned this year’s PFA Player of the Year and is seen as the single biggest influence in Liverpool turning into title challengers.
Sherwood told Premier League Productions: “Who’s going to be there next year? Is Eden Hazard? [Gonzalo] Higuain’s not going to be there. Kovacic? There’s so many uncertainties with Chelsea. It’s exciting times.
“I think what they need to do, especially with the embargo - I know they’re going to appeal it but as it stands they get two blocks, they cannot buy players in the next two windows. They’re going to have to find a different way.
“They’ve got the best academy in the Premier League bar none. Them kids are ready to play.
“Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori, the two boys on loan with Frank Lampard at Derby, they’re ready to dip their toe and come in.
“Do not block up the pathway with average players like Kovacic and people like that, don’t do that.
“Go and spend your money on the make-the-difference player, like a Van Dijk what Liverpool did.
“I think it will be very positive if they go that way. At least they’d have an identity going forward, it’s a complete contrast to what they’ve done over the last 10 to 15 years.”