Chelsea reportedly face a battle trying to keep their young prospect Xavier Simons at Stamford Bridge.
According to Goal, the 19-year-old’s contract with the Blues expires at the end of the season.
It is understood Premier League clubs Brighton, Southampton, Norwich City and Watford are all interested in trying to snap up the English teenager. Chelsea will get a fee through a tribunal if the youngster leaves in the summer, though.
The report explains Simons would ideally like to stay where he is but wants the promise of more game time at senior level. He’s hopeful of a first loan away from the Bridge to experience first-team action on a regular basis, with clubs in the Premier League and Championship keen on him.
As it stands, the midfielder will be heading for the exit doors unless a new contract is agreed.
Simons was linked with a new deal back in December at a time he impressed Thomas Tuchel in training, but there has been no announcement yet on a new contract.
He’s a defensive midfielder by trade that’s important in the Under-23s side. In addition, he’s got the versatility to drop in at wing-back.
He did make his first-team debut for Chelsea in December in the Carabao Cup quarter-finals against Brentford, which remains his sole senior appearance to date.
More Cobham talent at Chelsea
Yes, it looks like Chelsea’s academy at Cobham continues to produce talent.
It’s been a conveyor belt for quality youngsters in recent years, with plenty scattered across the Premier League right now.
Blues manager Tuchel is lucky enough to have several academy success stories in his squad, and it’s doubtful that trend will stop.
It would be great to see what Simons can do out on loan, so agreeing terms for a new deal is imperative with his contract expiring imminently.
Also, the likes of Harvey Vale, Charlie Webster and Jude Soonsup-Bell are some of the other shining lights in the Blues youth teams.
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