Chelsea ditch Oblak interest as £50m stopper declares interest in move

Chelsea look set to ditch their interest in Jan Oblak and Dean Henderson and move for a new £50m goalkeeper target instead.

Veteran back-up goalkeeper Willy Caballero once again started over club-record signing Kepa in Saturday’s FA Cup final.

Chelsea lost the game 2-1, with Kepa watching on from the bench, as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang struck twice for the Gunners.

The likelihood of the 25-year-old lining up as first-choice the Blues next season looks slim at best. Especially with Frank Lampard seemingly lining up his replacement.

Man Utd stopper Henderson had been a major target for Lampard, having excelled on loan at Sheffield United this season.

But United are keen to sign the England hopeful to a new deal, as they view him as their long-term No 1.

That led Chelsea to switch targets to experienced Atletico Madrid man Oblak, but the Slovenian comes with a heavy price tag.

The LaLiga giants would want over £100m for the 27-year-old – a price even steep for the big-spending Blues.

Despite that price, former Spurs and United striker Dimitar Berbatov believes Chelsea should do all they can to secure Oblak’s signing.

Pope the answer for Chelsea

However, it appears the Stamford Bridge outfit are ready to take a different route to find a new No 1.

That route leads them to Burnley and a proposed £50m deal for England international Nick Pope.

The DailyExpress reports that the 28-year-old is very interested in a return to London, having previously starred at Charlton.

Pope would certainly be a far cheaper option than Oblak. That would also allow Chelsea to focus on other potentiual summer targets.

Burnley are likely to resist any approach from the Blues. But if the player is keen and the price is right, then Lampard may soon get his man.

Meanwhile, Frank Lampard admitted that Chelsea were too complacent in the FA Cup final and that they did not play well enough to win it.

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