Chelsea man attracting new transfer 'interest' from Liverpool and Real Madrid

Chelsea defender Josh Acheampong is attracting ‘interest’ from Real Madrid and Liverpool, according to a report by the Independent. Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur are also said to be keen on the youngster.

The 18-year-old, who is an England youth international, is being tipped for a bright future in the game. He has been on the books at Stamford Bridge for his whole career to date.

Acheampong was a regular for Chelsea at various different youth levels and penned his first professional deal in January. He then made his first-team debut in a Premier League fixture against Spurs last term.

The teenager has played once this season since Enzo Maresca took over from Mauricio Pochettino and that came in a Carabao Cup tie against Barrow of League. He has been a key player for their Under-21’s so far in this campaign in Premier League 2.

Real Madrid could see him as someone to bolster their defensive department. He would be a useful long-term option for the La Liga giants if they were to land him but they will need to see off competition from other teams such as Liverpool, Spurs and Newcastle.

Recent new Chelsea deal

After he signed a deal last winter, Chelsea’s Head of Youth development and recruitment, Jim Fraser said: “We are thrilled that Josh has committed his future to the club. He has taken another step forward in his development this season, something reflected in his performances for club and country.”

The Blues have made a decent start under Maresca’s guidance and are sat in 4th place behind Liverpool, Manchester City and Arsenal. They are four points off top spot.

They drew 1-1 at home to Nottingham Forest in their last outing before the international break. They are back in action this weekend with a tricky away trip to Anfield to take on Liverpool.

Speaking after their last game, Maresca said: "[The relationship with the supporters] is very important. I really like it at home and away but if we can build something important with them at home, I think it will be fantastic for us because we need them during the season, for sure, like we needed them the other day [against Forest].

"We needed them for the last push and we were very close. We didn’t win but they were there supporting us. For the fans, it is nice to be proud of the players. When you see your team and your players fighting and trying to win the game, it is a good moment for the fans.

"This is what we ask of the players: ‘Just go outside and give everything because there are fans there that want to be proud of you’, and this is what they are doing now."

Acheampong wasn’t in Chelsea’s squad against Forest and isn’t guaranteed regular senior game time at the moment. He will have to bide his time for opportunities at this moment in time and could have to make a decision if another club came in for his services in the next transfer window.