SAINTS are closing in on signing Chelsea youngster Jacob Maddox on loan.

Maddox, 21, joined the Stamford Bridge side from Bristol City back in 2013 and has worked his way through their youth ranks.

And he is now a target for Saints, although it's believed the club want to bring him on loan to play for their Under-23s as opposed to the first team.

Maddox was due to spend this season at Tranmere but he was recalled by Chelsea in December after making just two appearances.

He's featured for England from the U16s through to the U20s.