Sunderland are interested in signing Chelsea youngster who Enzo Maresca really likes

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Now that the January transfer window is only a few days away, several Chelsea players are beginning to be linked with potential exits.

Enzo Maresca is doing an excellent job managing the Chelsea squad this season, sharing minutes between players when he can and promoting some youngsters from the academy to the first team. However, some individuals may need to leave Stamford Bridge to obtain regular senior minutes.

In terms of possible outgoings, several Blues players are tipped with moves. For instance, Chelsea are planning to loan out Omari Kellyman to give him first-team action in the second half of the season.

Now, the transfer speculation is growing around the future of another Chelsea youngster.

• READ MORE: Chelsea told the signings they need to make in January as busy transfer window encouraged

Sunderland in race for Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale

Journalist Ben Jacobs has claimed via X that Chelsea youngster Harvey Vale is attracting transfer interest ahead of the New Year.

It is explained that Championship club Sunderland are keen on a move for the 21-year-old Blues talent. Also, Belgian giants Anderlecht and Dutch side Heerenveen have eyes on Chelsea’s academy graduate.

This comes after recent claims that Chelsea will look to sell Vale in January because he’s about to enter the final six months of his contract with them. It is understood that Blues head coach Maresca does really like the versatile left-footer, but the writing may be on the wall for him and now clubs are queuing up.

Vale has been with Chelsea since he joined the academy as an Under-13 and made his first-team debut for them back in 2021.

The attacking midfielder, who can also cover at left-back, had spells out on loan with Hull City and Bristol Rovers in the past. Now, it sounds like he could be leaving the Bridge on a permanent basis in 2025.

Vale’s spent the first half of the 2024/25 campaign starring in Chelsea’s Under-21s side. Maresca has given him two senior appearances in the Conference League, though.

Many at Chelsea think Vale should be closer to the first team, so it would be interesting to see what he could do in the Championship if he does end up at Sunderland.

Every player who’s played for both Sunderland and Chelsea

There’s a long list of players who’ve represented both Chelsea and Sunderland in their careers, so will Vale be the latest to do so?

If Sunderland can offer Vale an opportunity in their first team, they could be a great option for him. Incidentally, they currently sit fourth in the Championship table in the thick of a promotion race.

From a Chelsea perspective, they just don’t have room for him in their senior group right now.