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Chelsea eyeing rapid centre-back after missing out on Jeremy Jacquet transfer

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Sedi Kinteh is being closely tracked by Premier League giants Chelsea (Picture: Getty)

Chelsea are reportedly mulling over a move to sign Tromso central defender Sedi Kinteh after missing out on Jeremy Jacquet in the January transfer window.

Kinteh has been earning rave reviews with his outstanding performances across an eye-catching debut season in senior football with Tromso this term.

The 19-year-old, known for his athleticism and lightning speed, has made 25 appearances in all competitions for the Norwegian outfit, who sit third in the Eliteserien table.

After being invited for a trial in early 2025, Kinteh was quick to impress Tromso’s coaching staff – and the youngster agreed to a five-year deal in March.

However, there is mounting speculation that Kinteh could soon be set for bigger and better things, with top clubs around Europe beginning to circle for the highly rated teenager.

According to Daily Mail Sport, Chelsea and Manchester United are known to have ‘strong links’ in the Norwegian game and the two giants of English football are ‘weighing up an approach’ for the teenager in the summer.

It’s claimed interest from the Premier League could hasten the likes of Basel and Young Boys into action, though, with both clubs ‘considering whether to gamble’ and beat the rush while the Swiss transfer window remains open for another week.

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Mandatory Credit: Photo by MARIUS SIMENSEN/BILDBYR?N/Shutterstock (15445106z) Abubacarr Sedi Kinteh of Troms? and Ulrik Mathisen of Brann during the Eliteserien match between Troms? and Brann on August 17, 2025 in Troms?. Football, Eliteserien, Troms? - Brann, Troms?, Norway - 17 Aug 2025

Kinteh is enjoying an excellent debut season with Tromso in Norway (Picture: Shutterstock)

The report indicates that Tromso could be prepared to do business for Kinteh should they receive an offer in the region of £4million for their prized possession.

Kinteh, who is comfortable at both centre-back and left-back, has recorded speeds of around 37km/h while playing for Tromso, which would put him in a similar bracket to Tottenham defender Micky van de Ven.

Chelsea remain in the hunt for a centre-back of Kinteh’s profile after losing out to Liverpool in the race to sign sought-after Rennes youngster Jacquet in January.

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While Manchester United are also scouring the market for potential defensive reinforcements, the Red Devils are expected to prioritise signing a deep-lying central midfielder in the summer transfer window.

Kinteh received his first-up senior call-up to the Gambian national team last August and the defender went on to make his debut in the side’s World Cup qualifying defeat to Gabon.

The teen’s current contract with Tromso runs through to December 2029.

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