Chelsea are reportedly edging closer to tying down their exciting youngster Harvey Vale to a new deal.
According to The Athletic, the Blues held new talks last week with their 18-year-old prospect about extending his contract at Stamford Bridge.
It is understood there were “positive” discussions and all parties are optimistic that a fresh contract can be sorted.
The report explains that Chelsea’s first-team boss Thomas Tuchel wants to send the teenager out on loan next season if a long-term deal can be sorted first. Ideally, he would join someone in the Championship or a club abroad.
As it stands, he’ll be out of contract in 2023 and the Blues have lost some brilliant talents in the past couple of years by letting their deals run down.
Vale, who Chelsea academy teammate Lewis Hall recently called a “very technically gifted player”, is definitely someone to watch out for.
The attacking midfielder has been an important player in the Under-23s this season. Also, he’s already made three first-team appearances, with all three coming in the past couple of months.
Vale loan sounds smart from Chelsea
It makes great sense to send Vale out on loan to improve his game, but a new contract is imperative.
He’s a left-footed talent that’s great higher up the pitch creating chances and scoring goals. It’s a massive asset to see he’s got the versatility to cover in midfield or full-back if needed, though.
It would be his first spell away from Chelsea next season after coming through the academy ranks at Cobham, but there should be a queue of sides wanting someone like him if he becomes available.
It’ll be intriguing to see how many more senior opportunities he gets in the second half of this campaign.
Keep up to date with all the latest Chelsea news and opinion by following The Chelsea Chronicle’s Facebook and Twitter accounts.