Pompey are closing in on the signing of Ryan Kavuma-McQueen as their eighth summer signing.
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen is adamant his time with Chelsea’s senior squad during this summer’s pre-season tour has been vital in his development ahead of his imminent Pompey move.
And the young talent has named the two members of Xabi Alonso’s side who have been key in supporting his growth in the first-team set-up as he prepares for Championship football at Fratton Park
The 17-year-old is edging towards his PO4 switch and is poised to become the Blues’ eighth signing of the window following Abu Kamara’s signing on Monday morning.
Kavuma-McQueen is expected to link up with John Mousinho’s side in the coming days ahead of a season-long loan deal on the south coast.
His Fratton Park arrival will represent his first taste of senior football after coming through the ranks at Stamford Bridge as a youngster.
The England youth international’s stock is firmly on the rise after netting 13 goals for Chelsea’s U21s last term, having been fast-tracked from the U18s last summer.
His outstanding form was rewarded with an inclusion in Alonso’s travelling party for their pre-season tour of Australia and Asia, which included a blend of first-team and youth-team talent.
This saw the young attacker feature alongside Premier League and international regulars and impress during a 45-minute display in a recent 6-4 triumph over Western Sydney Wanderers, when he grabbed an assist.
Indeed, Kavuma-McQueen is adamant this summer’s pre-season tour has been key in taking his game to the next level ahead of his imminent Fratton Park switch.
The Chelsea duo playing key role in imminent Pompey signing’s development
Ryan Kavuma-McQueenplaceholder image
Ryan Kavuma-McQueen | Getty Images
And the winger has revealed Cole Palmer and Tosin Adarabioyo played key roles in his development during the trip.
The 17-year-old told Chelsea’s official website: ‘You learn quickly from being around the senior players every day. The standards are so high, and you’ve got to match them. It’s what is expected at Chelsea.
‘I’ve enjoyed my first tour. The environment around the team hotel and in training has been good. Everyone has made us younger players feel welcome and Cole and Tosin, in particular, have been really helpful for me.
‘They’ve given me advice and just reminded me to appreciate this experience. Seeing how the senior players behave, off the pitch as much as on it, has been a good eye-opener. It pushes you on because you want to be in their shoes one day.
‘You know, I was around the first team a bit last season, but I feel more comfortable in the group now. When you’re together every day, you bond with people more. It helps you feel more comfortable on the pitch.
‘Obviously, we’ve got another great former player now as our manager. He is top and has helped us younger players a lot.
‘He wants to see us do well and progress. We’re all grateful for giving us the experience of coming on this tour - and I've really enjoyed it.’
Kavuma-McQueen missed Chelsea’s 3-0 win over AC Milan on Saturday after returning to England to finalise his Fratton Park switch.
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