By SIMON JONES
Published: 04:47 EST, 21 January 2026 | Updated: 04:47 EST, 21 January 2026
Chelsea have stepped into the race for highly-rated Sheffield Wednesday left back Yisa Alao.
Manchester United and Liverpool had both made offers for the 17-year-old who has already broken into the first team and has been offered his first professional contract.
United had offered around £400,000 with substantial add-ons and were considered favourites but, as first reported by Daily Mail Sport, Chelsea are willing to offer more to crisis club Wednesday, who are staring down the barrel of relegation from the Championship following their points deduction.
He started his first senior game at home to Brentford in the FA Cup earlier this month, followed by a first Championship start against Portsmouth last weekend.
Alao was outstanding in Wednesday's defeat to Portsmouth but was taken off after an hour as manager Henrik Pedersen tries to manage his progress and minutes on the pitch.
Chelsea are understood to be willing to offer around £600,000 plus substantial bonuses on performances for Alao but also under serious consideration will be the youngster's career pathway.
Chelsea have joined Liverpool and Man United in the race for Sheffield Wednesday youngster Yisa Alao
Wednesday entered administration in October 2025 due to severe financial issues under owner Dejphon Chansiri, leading to unpaid wages, EFL charges, and an 18-point deduction.
Begbies Traynor were appointed administrators, and a consortium led by James Bord has been selected as the preferred bidder for a takeover, with the process awaiting final approval.