Chelsea are interested in signing Leonardo Cardoso, West Bromwich Albion, according to reports.
Cardoso, 16, is highly rated by the Baggies but has yet to sign a professional contract due to his age.
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That could allow Chelsea to swoop in and offer him terms once he turns 17 next May, according to it. football inside.
The report also suggests that other clubs could join the race for Cardoso, who has impressed at youth level with West Bromwich Albion.
Cardoso’s form saw him called up by both Portgoal and England at youth level.
As such, the Blues are reportedly working to lure the midfielder to Stamford Bridge.
The midfielder could follow a similar path to Billy Gilmore, another midfielder who moved to Chelsea from Rangers before ever making an appearance with the Jerseys.
Gilmore broke through the ranks of Chelsea in 2019-20, as did Mason Mount and Tammy Abraham, with Ruben Loftus-Cheek graduating from the academy before then.
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Thomas Tuchel has been looking to give his youths more chances this season, with Trevoh Chaluba shining in defence.
The German still appears keen to add to his defensive options, with Juventus star Matthijs de Laet heavily linked with a move to Chelsea.
Long-term transfer target Jules Conde also remains an option after Sevilla rejected the Blues’ approaches last summer.
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