Southampton and Leicester leading the race to sign want-away Chelsea star Callum Hudson-Odoi

Callum Hudson-Odoi has told Chelsea is willing to leave the club this summer as he seeks regular playing time ahead of the World Cup.

The south London born-star is eyeing a switch from playing for England to the Black Stars of Ghana, and knows that he will have to start playing regularly to be considered for the West African nation’s Qatar squad.

Hudson-Odoi has fallen down the pecking order in England and has watched on painfully as the likes of Phil Foden and Mason Mount, once considered behind him are now established internationals.

In the last two seasons, injuries and playing time have hindered his progress and the player and his team have decided a fresh start could do him a world of good.

Southampton have looked at the finances and will make a move if the player shows signs of interest, while Leicester are looking at him as one of the players to come in and give them fire-power after losing Ademola Lookman.

The 21-year-old has held discussions with the technical team at Chelsea who are happy for him to stay but can’t guarantee playing time.

He was left out of the opening day win at Everton, proof that he will struggle to get into the team often this campaign.

Once considered the most exciting teenager in the Chelsea academy, Hudson-Odoi has been incredibly unlucky with injuries but has still made 126 appearances for the Blues in which he has scored 16 goals.

He came close to signing for German giants Bayern Munich in 2019, after they made offers but once he signed a contract at Chelsea his form and game time depreciated noticeably.

This summer, under new ownership, Chelsea are looking to build from scratch and the arrival of Raheem Sterling and potential incomings makes his spot untenable.