Newly-promoted Watford have entered talks with Chelsea over the signing of young striker Ike Ugbo, according to reports.
The Englishman is a product of Chelsea’s academy who is currently on loan at Cercle Brugge in Belgium.
Watford view Ugbo as a great option to improve their forward line as they prepare for the Premier League next season.
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According to The Athletic, Watford have started to discuss a £5million move for Ugbo with the Blues.
The transfer is still in its early stages but talks are believed to be progressing well.
Cercle Brugge were interested in signing Ugbo permanently, although the player is keen on a move elsewhere.
Watford could provide the perfect stepping stone for him as he eyes Premier League stardom.
Hornets boss Xisco Munoz is ready to give Ugbo a chance to impress in the top flight during the next campaign.
The 22-year-old is expected to provide cover for current forward Joao Pedro.
Ugbo has never been given a chance at Stamford Bridge, despite impressing in their youth teams and on loan.
He scored 15 goals in 34 appearances for Chelsea’s U23 side before joining Cercle Brugge.
He’s taken that form with him to Belgium, bagging 16 goals in 32 league games. Those goals were crucial in helping Cercle Brugge avoid relegation to the second division.
Ugbo sees no obvious route to the Chelsea first team.
Thomas Tuchel appears intent on playing Timo Werner until he gets back into goalscoring mode. The German was on the scoresheet in Chelsea’s recent 1-0 victory over West Ham but missed a huge chance in their Champions League draw with Real Madrid.
The likes of Kai Havertz, Tammy Abraham and Olivier Giroud are also standing in Ugbo’s way.
As a result, the youngster is keen on a move away from Stamford Bridge. He’s seen the progress made by Fikayo Tomori and Nathan Ake since securing moves.
Nathaniel Chalobah is another good example. The midfielder came through the Chelsea youth system but left in 2017 to join Watford. He’s gone on to make over 120 appearances for the Hornets in all competitions.
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