Enzo Maresca gives an replace on Renato Veiga’s Chelsea future amid hyperlinks to Bundesliga giants

Chelsea boss Enzo Maresca has reminded Renato Veiga not to forget all that he has done for him, amid talk of the 21-year-old Portuguese jumping ship for Borussia Dortmund this month.

Veiga is understood to have declared his interest in joining the German giants permanently, which would leave Maresca short as the versatile player has been a good option at left back.

Yet Veiga is said to want to be used as a centre back. While Maresca is open to letting Ben Chilwell, Carney Chukwuemeka and others leave in January, he is less keen on losing Veiga.

Speaking ahead of the Premier League visit of Bournemouth on Tuesday night, Maresca said: ‘We’ll see if something happens. I’m not aware there is an agreement for him.

‘We bought Renato from Basel. He arrived and played well in different positions and allowed him to join the national team for the first time in his life. Even if he was not playing in his position (centre back).  

‘We are happy all players go to the international team, especially young players who join Chelsea, play in four or five different positions and gets the chance to play in the national team. We’re very proud of that.’

Asked what he had told Veiga privately, Maresca continued: ‘I had a chat with Renato and said the exact same thing I said to you. 

‘Playing in the position he is playing with us gives him the chance to join international team and gives him the chance to get speculation around him which means clubs look for him. Clubs look for players that are doing well, not bad.

‘For me, if there is a player that wants to play in one position, they are going to struggle. They have to adapt, play in different positions. It’s a good thing for the team and the club.’