Report: Club make contact to try sign 22-year-old Chelsea prospect, he would prefer loan move

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Championship club Preston North End have reportedly made contact for Chelsea youngster Dujon Sterling.

According to Lancashire Live, Preston have expressed their interest in signing the 22-year-old Blues prospect this summer.

It is understood there’s plenty of interest in the UK and from across Europe, too.

The report explains Sterling would prefer an exit from Stamford Bridge on loan, but a permanent sale hasn’t been ruled out at this stage given he’s in the final year of his Chelsea contract. Thomas Tuchel will ultimately have a big say in the player’s future.

Preston make contact for Dujon Sterling

Preston are the latest Championship side looking to tap into the great young talent on Chelsea’s books.

Sterling, 22, proved his quality last season in the second tier during a year-long loan spell with Blackpool.

He’s a talented defender that’s really grown into a role as a right wing-back in recent times, but he’s versatile enough to slot in centrally if needed.

Unfortunately, he’s not included in the latest first-team squad that’s touring the United States in pre-season. Therefore, it’s hard to imagine him slotting in as the understudy to Reece James next year at full-back.

Academy balance

Yes, every Blues fan wants to see the first-team squad filled with rising stars from the academy. Tuchel’s only got room for so many, though.

Conor Gallagher, who could reportedly be rewarded with a new Chelsea contract, looks like being the next breakout star at the club. He’s joining academy graduates such as Mason Mount, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi in the senior group.

For Sterling, it looks like he’s still got a way to go to break into Tuchel’s plans.

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