Jordi Alba
REUTERS

Jordi Alba is fielding interest from AC Milan, his agent has confirmed, with the Chelsea target considering his future as a host of clubs swoop for the youngster's signature.

Manchester City, Barcelona and Villarreal have all been credited with showing an interest in Alba, with the Blues also believed to be chasing the young star.

And while Valencia are hoping to hold onto their prized defender, agent Vicent Fores has confirmed that alongside the likes of Chelsea, AC Milan are also considering making a move for the Spain international.

"Jordi Alba? It is true, I can confirm that we are in contact with Milan, also for Soriano of Villarreal, who is another represented by me," he told Calciomercato.com.

"Initially with the Milan club there has been only brief contact, but I think that within 20 days to a month maximum, we will meet with [director Ariedo] Braida. I don't know whether this will be in Spain or Italy.

"Napoli's interest in Alba? Yes, there have also been talks with the Neapolitans, but it is normal because we are talking about a very strong young man, born in 1989, with a great future ahead of him."

Chelsea have landed themselves in a familiar situation this season, having sacked yet another manager, and are now looking ahead to a very uncertain summer.

Their transfer policy will depend on the incoming manager's philosophy, though with Roman Abramovich often being particularly vocal in his desires for the direction of the club, it's fair to say that young players full of potential will be on the agenda for the Chelsea owner.

Andre Villas-Boas was brought into the managerial post to create a new dawn for the Chelsea squad, and his signings of youth players such as Romelu Lukaku, Kevin de Bruyne and Lucas Piazon were a testament to this.

But as the Blues slumped out of the top four, Villas-Boas' time came to an end, though Alba would still fit Abramovich's transfer policy of trying to create a long-standing future for the side as the older players at the club move past 30.

Laurent Blanc is the latest name to be connected to the Chelsea managerial position, with Pep Guardiola and Jose Mourinho also candidates as Abramovich looks for a ninth manager in nine years.