According to TEAMtalk, Derby County are among a host of clubs interested in signing Chelsea youngster Ike Ugbo this coming summer.
The England U20 international made big waves in the Chelsea academy.
His form prompted loan spells at Roda JC in Holland where he netted 13 goals, before further loan spells at Barnsley and MK Dons in League One and Two.
Chelsea have brought through an array of talent in recent seasons. Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori are well known among Derby supporters following terrific loan spells.
Both are now regulars in Chelsea’s first-team squad. Ugbo no doubt has the talent to follow in their footsteps with the right application and experience.
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Many at Chelsea regard him as a top talent. Back in 2017, he reportedly left then Blues boss Antonio Conte stunned after netting a superb goal in a 5-1 Youth Cup final victory.
TEAMtalk claim more than a dozen clubs are looking to take him on loan next season, including West Ham United, Crystal Palace and Phillip Cocu’s Derby County.
The Rams will need to address their striker options this summer. Chris Martin is out of contract, while Jack Marriott has been plagued with injury troubles.
Cocu will surely have a forward at the top of his summer wish-list, along with a new goalkeeper, central defender and wide player with much-needed pace.
Derby had success with Chelsea loanees last season. Manager Frank Lampard and his assistant Jody Morris will know Pride Park is an excellent place to nurture talent.
