A handful of coaches closely associated with Chelsea apparently view Lewis Bate as a better talent than Billy Gilmour was when he was 18.
This is according to The Athletic, who say that those within the confines of Cobham have compared the pair’s abilities when their ages were the same.
Gilmour is now 20, two years older than Bate, but many believe the latter is already more advanced as a teenager than his senior academy colleague.
Both Chelsea products have been in the headlines recently for differing reasons.
Bate wants Blue solution
Bate is now involved in serious speculation over his future at Stamford Bridge.
The Athletic claim that the young midfielder has told Chelsea he does not want to sign a new deal.
A strong offer is apparently on the table, yet the player wants first-team football over a pay rise.
Members of the Blues board have assured Bate he will have an opportunity to be near Thomas Tuchel’s squad this campaign.
Especially because Gilmour has conveniently left a gap in the group for someone to take over.
Which is where the Scotland international comes into the picture.
He joined Norwich City earlier this month on a season-long loan, with the aim of gaining more minutes at a top division club as well.
Tuchel is now a man down from his team last term and a midfield slot needs to be covered.
It is highly unlikely Bate will be the boy to fill this void, hence his desire to move away.
There is a strong list of Premier League suitors who would like to snap up the youngster, including West Ham United, Leeds United, Liverpool, Leicester City, and Brighton & Hove Albion.