OPINION
Chelsea’s upcoming talent Ethan Ampadu may reportedly be on the move in January and Leeds United should certainly throw their name into the hat for him.
The Sunderland Echo report that the 17-year-old may be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge in January on loan to help further his development.
It is understood that Championship club Sunderland have made contact with Premier League side Chelsea about the availability of their young talents and that Ampadu could be one option for them.
The report details that manager Antonio Conte is a big fan of the teenager and he has made four senior appearances already this season.
Leeds should jump to the front of the queue for the Premier League enforcer, who has also been capped by Wales twice at senior level already.
Ampadu is a versatile player that can play as either a defensive midfielder or a centre-back, with his preferred position still up in the air.
The Welshman is one of the best upcoming talents at Chelsea and has already made a senior breakthrough at his young age, but a loan exit could be on the cards.
He is a technically gifted player in possession and a tough-tackling player that has shown his competitive edge so far when given the chance by Conte.
Leeds should be looking to improve their squad in the New Year to aid a promotion chase and the Blues ace looks an attractive option.
Thomas Christiansen could do with some more midfield reinforcements to compete alongside the likes of Eunan O’Kane, Kalvin Phillips and Ronaldo Vieira.
Meanwhile, there are also a shortage of centre-back options in the Whites first team and they could kill two birds with one stone by recruiting the Chelsea ace.
Ampadu would definitely push for a starting XI role in the midfield and the early signs are that he would excel in the Championship.
The international ace is already being tipped for greatness and Leeds should look to benefit from his meteoric rise by giving him a spell at Elland Road in the second half of the season.