Leeds United in talks to sign 20-year-old Chelsea star who excelled under Mauricio Pochettino

Leeds United are leading a trio of Championship clubs looking to sign Alfie Gilchrist, who enjoyed a breakout season under Mauricio Pochettino last season, LondonWorld has been told. Leeds came close to securing Premier League promotion, losing to Southampton, but manager Daniel Farke is already planning for next season with Gilchrist high on his list.

The 20-year-old played 11 times for the Blues and scored his debut goal for his boyhood club in the 6-0 win against Everton. He was also rewarded with a new contract that meant he committed his long-term future to Chelsea.

The plan now is to loan him out so he can develop further and build on what was clearly a massive campaign for the defender, who can play as a full-back and also a centre-back.

He told Chelsea after signing his new deal last season: “Signing this contract at Chelsea is a massive achievement for me and my family. It was a no-brainer, and every time I’ve signed a contract here it has felt nicer and nicer. But now I want to keep on pushing on and keep improving.”

Preston and Blackburn are also looking at him, but it’s Leeds who have taken the lead, even though talks are expected to continue in the next few weeks before a deal is agreed.

In more transfer news, Chelsea are closing in on a deal for Aston Villa’s Jhon Duran. The west London club is looking to do business early, having already signed Tosin Adarabioyo.

There is never a dull moment at Chelsea, with the summer beginning with the surprise exit of Pochettino and the swift appointment of Enzo Maresca before the arrival of Adarabioyo was confirmed last week, and the transfer window hasn't opened officially yet.