Evening Standard
·6 July 2023
Evening Standard
·6 July 2023
L
orient are among the clubs interested in young Chelsea midfielder Ben Elliott, who could leave Stamford Bridge permanently this summer.
The 20-year-old has just one year left on his contract and is attracting interest from Ligue 1 in France after making his full international debut for Cameroon in June.
Chelsea are open to selling Elliott, who scored four goals and registered six assists in 26 games for their Under-21s last season, amid a radical recruitment drive at the youth level.
Elliott will not command a large transfer fee but Chelsea will target a sizeable sell-on clause in any deal.
Malik Mothersille has left Chelsea despite receiving a contract offer from the club. The 19-year-old is weighing up offers from the Championship, Belgium, France and Holland.
Tudor Mendel-Idowu is also yet to sign a new contract at Chelsea despite being offered a deal. The 18-year-old’s future remains in doubt as several youngsters have concerns over their potential pathway.
Chelsea have signed 17-year-old Everton full-back Ishe Samuels-Smith for £4million.
Samuels-Smith is expected to join a refreshed Under-21s team that will feature Norwich City midfielder Alex Matos and Benfica winger Diego Moreira next season.