A scout from Derby County is thought to have assessed the performances of Chelsea’s Under-21 side during their penalty shootout defeat to Lincoln City in the Checkatrade Trophy at Sincil Bank on Tuesday evening according to the Derby Telegraph.
The Blues drew the match 1-1 in normal time before Joe Edwards’ men lost 4-2 on penalty kicks as the home side booked their place at Wembley for the first time in their history.
It has been revealed that a scout from Sky Bet Championship club Derby County was in attendance at the match and took a keen interest in the Chelsea youngsters with star defender Ethan Ampadu having made a particularly positive impression.
Ampadu is in his first season at Stamford Bridge since joining the club last summer and the 17-year-old has already made six appearances for Chelsea at first team level. The Blues are expected to be open to loan moves for many of their young stars next season and Ampadu could top the list of a handful of Chelsea players who Derby County may look to loan.
The Chelsea academy has an excellent recent record of producing top class talent. The Blues have won the FA Youth Cup in each of the last four seasons while several members of the Development Squad have been handed appearances at first team level this term.
The next step for many members of the Development Squad is to benefit from regular first team football and temporary spells with clubs in the Sky Bet Championship is a realistic option.
