Southampton reportedly targeting Chelsea's Ben Elliot

The Cobham youngster’s contract expires in the coming summer, despite Blues being keen to tie him down to a long-term deal.

Attacking midfielder Elliot is a highly respected member of the Chelsea academy and has been playing up for the under-23s for the past 18 months.

But with his current deal expiring at the end of the year, the report in the Sun details how the bosses at Chelsea are worried an offer with a first-team pathway elsewhere may tempt him.

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They know they are unable to offer as much realistic chance to first team call-ups, even though he has been training in and around Thomas Tuchel’s squad this season.

Congrats to Ben Elliott, who signed his first pro deal upon turning 17 last week. A terrific midfielder who is hopefully over some long-term injury concerns. pic.twitter.com/AO2tNWRKHx

— Chelsea Youth (@chelseayouth) November 13, 2019

The report details Saints, Brentford and Brighton as the three interested parties.

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Saints picked up 18-year-old Tino Livramento from the same team in a similar deal during the last summer window and he has been a revelation at St Mary’s.

The right-back has started every Premier League game of the season and is a nominee for the October Premier League player of the month award.

Brighton have in the past snatched full-back Tariq Lamptey from Chelsea when he was just 19, and he was also going from strength to strength in their first-team before his injury.

It goes on to state that a bid of around £800,000 might be enough to land the prospect If he decides his future lies away from Chelsea, with the clubs potentially acting in January to land the youngster.