Chelsea set Renato Veiga asking price amid Borussia Dortmund interest | OneFootball

Chelsea are reported to be asking a premium transfer fee for Renato Veiga that would see them potentially make a huge profit on the unsettled squad player mere months after his arrival.

Veiga joined Chelsea from Basel for around £12m in July. The youngster had played predominantly in midfield during his sole season in Switzerland but has found it tough to command a place in Chelsea's team anywhere other than left-back as a stand-in for first choice Marc Cucurella.

It appears that Veiga, still only 21, has already grown tired of the situation that has seen him start only once in the Premier League and rarely feature at all in his favoured position, which is centre-back. It was claimed earlier this month that an agreement has already been struck over personal terms with Borussia Dortmund.

Multiple reports now suggest an exit is on the cards if Chelsea can agree the terms of it.

BBC Sport revealed on Sunday night that talks were already underway with Dortmund over an initial loan. Chelsea are seeking a permanent transfer but could be satisfied if an initial temporary deal includes an obligation to buy at the end of the specified period.

Into Monday morning and The Guardian writes that a figure of "more than £20m" is Chelsea's asking price. The Athletic put a firmer number on it, quoting as much £29m, and adding that the Blues would request that a sell-on clause should also be included.

Chelsea could more than double their money on Veiga / SOPA Images/GettyImages

Enzo Maresca didn't appear particularly sympathetic toward Veiga's point of view, highlighting the player being called up to the Portugal national team for the first time this season – his three senior international caps so far have all come at centre-back, it must be said.

"I had a chat with Renato. I told him the same thing I told [the media]; in terms of playing in the position he is playing with us, it gave him the chance to play for the national team and it caused speculation around him, meaning clubs are looking at him because he is doing well," Maresca said.

"If there is a player that just wants to play in one position, then they are going to struggle. It is a good thing for the team and for the club."

Asked if it is because Veiga wants to play more regularly, the bald Chelsea boss replied: "I have said many times... I also want the long hair [laughs] but we have 24 or 25 players, so it is not possible."