Valencia will send their spies to check out Chelsea midfielder Oriol Romeu when Spain Under-21s take on Croatia in Alicante on Monday.
Los Che boss Mauricio Pellegrini is searching for a long-term replacement for David Albelda, who has just turned 35, and sees Catalonia-born Romeu as his natural successor, according to Superdeporte.
It is not the first time Valencia have had their eyes on the 20-year-old, with director of football Braulio Vazquez having enquired about him when he was with Barcelona before he chose to join Chelsea in August 2011.
Romeu has a contract at Stamford Bridge until June 2015 that includes Barca having the option to buy him back, although the signing of Alex Song could possibly limit any chance of him returning to the Camp Nou in the near future.
Romeu played 24 games for Chelsea last season – 16 in the Premier League, three Champions League games, three in the Carling Cup and two in the FA Cup – but has not featured so far this term.
The player’s agent is believed to have contacted several clubs before the close of the transfer window to negotiate a possible loan deal, although he was unsuccessful despite some interest from Malaga.
Chelsea paid €5m for Romeu’s signature but if he cannot gain a regular place in Roberto Di Matteo’s starting line-up they may be prepared to let him leave for much less, with Valencia waiting to pounce should they receive any encouragement.
