Joe Shields could push Chelsea to sign another former Manchester City star next summer.
In recent transfer windows, Chelsea have brought in the likes of Cole Palmer, Liam Delap and Romeo Lavia, who have all been on City’s books in the past.
Shields has been credited for the Blues making those signings, and it looks like the Chelsea director wants to see another ex-City player at Stamford Bridge.
Morgan Rogers has been linked to Chelsea and has also spent time at City like Palmer, Delap and Lavia.
Chelsea players and Joe Shields with Club World Cup
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Chelsea ready to sign James McAtee after being recommended by Joe Shields
In February, it was reported that Chelsea wanted to sign James McAtee at the very end of the winter transfer window.
That never happened and McAtee remained at City before joining Forest during the summer. However, Chelsea’s interest does not appear to have gone away.
Journalist Simon Phillips has claimed on Si Phillips Talks Chelsea that the Club World Cup winners are in the frame to sign McAtee next summer.
According to Phillips, while McAtee is “universally liked at Chelsea”, he is a “Joe Shields recommendation”.
The attacking midfielder has only made four appearances for Forest in the Premier League this season and did not feature in his side’s 3-0 loss to Chelsea at the weekend.
SOCCER: AUG 03 Manchester City vs Chelsea
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James McAtee shocked by former teammate Cole Palmer
A move to Chelsea would see McAtee reunite with Palmer, who he played alongside at City.
Despite being familiar with his former teammate’s quality, McAtee has admitted that Palmer’s impact at Chelsea caught him by surprise.
When McAtee spoke about Palmer in a recent interview, he said: “When he went to Chelsea, I never expected him to do this well, but it’s so good that he has.”
If the Forest man does go on to join Chelsea next year, hopefully he can make a similar impact to Palmer.
Given how effective the England international has been, though, it is going to be difficult for McAtee or any potential Chelsea signing in the future to replicate Palmer. It will be a long time before the Conference League holders find another player like him.