A Leeds United-linked youth prospect looks set for a move to Chelsea
Chelsea have reportedly agreed a deal to sign Leeds United-linked defender Alfie Osborne for a six-figure sum.
A 17-year-old centre-back, Osborne has made waves north of the border with Heart of Midlothian. He has established himself as a key figure for the club’s ‘B’ side and represents Scotland at youth level.
Chelsea look to have won the race for Hearts prodigy Alfie Osborne.placeholder image
Chelsea look to have won the race for Hearts prodigy Alfie Osborne. | Julian Finney/Getty Images
Chelsea ‘agree deal’ for Leeds United-linked defender
However, according to Sky Sports, it is Chelsea who have won the race to secure the services of the young defender.
It has been claimed they have struck a deal worth £400,000 for the Osborne, who will reportedly pen a long-term contract at Stamford Bridge.
He is said to have chosen the Blues despite receving offers from Barcelona, Marseille, Club Brugge and other clubs in England.
Leeds may well have had their eyes on Osborne, but a deal would have proven difficult to do given the high-profile nature of the competition. That being said, the Whites could have perhaps offered a clearer route to first-team football than Chelsea.
Lees United’s youth prospects
Whites manager Daniel Farke is not the type to throw youngsters in before they are ready but does have prospects knocking on the door.
Among those to have had rave reviews at youth level are defenders Jayden Lienou and Alfie Cresswell, midfielder Rhys Chadwick and forward Harry Gray.
Harry Gray has already been exposed to senior football at Leeds United.placeholder image
Harry Gray has already been exposed to senior football at Leeds United. | Michael Regan/Getty Images
The latter is said to be closing in on a loan move to newly-relegated League One outfit Sheffield Wednesday after ending last term at Rotherham United.
Lienou, Cresswell and Chadwick, meanwhile, are still waiting for a taste of senior football.