Chelsea backed off Tyler Adams deal amid fears about how long he would be out with a hamstring injury

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Chelsea cooled their pursuit of USA captain Tyler Adams amid fears about his hamstring injury, Mail Sport can reveal.

The Blues had been heavily linked with the Leeds United midfielder, but are now assessing other options as he continues to recover from surgery.

Sources close to Adams insist he will be back from injury in around four works - and ready to play after the September international break. Previous claims his absence would be much longer have been rubbished by those close to the Leeds star.

Chelsea's commitment to signing Moises Caicedo and Romeo Lavia meant a deal for Adams was considered one too much, particularly as he will not be fully fit to play until next month. 

Adams still has interest from Brighton, Aston Villa and Manchester United among others, as he looks to stay in the Premier League following Leeds' relegation. 

Leeds' Tyler Adams is still recovering from surgery on a hamstring injury suffered last season

It is understood Chelsea softened their approach due to his injury issue 

The American midfielder moved to West Yorkshire last season, but has a $25m release clause that kicked in due to Leeds United's relegation from the Premier League to the Championship

Adams suffered the injury towards the end of last season - which ended with Leeds dropping down to the second tier of English football. 

The United States men's national team captain went down during a training session prior to a March 18 clash with Wolves. 

That injury required the USMNT midfielder to undergo surgery and he hasn't appeared for club or country since. 

Adams completed his move to Leeds from RB Leipzig just last season and made 26 appearances for the club.

That included a spell under fellow American and former manager Jesse Marsch - who was sacked in the middle of the season.

The USA midfielder has a reported release clause of about $25million that kicks in due to Leeds' relegation to the Championship.

It's said that Adams is reluctant to play in the second division - despite Leeds being keen on building a team around him.

The New Yorker has 210 appearances in top flight football with Leeds, Leipzig, and the New York Red Bulls - having scored five goals in that span.