Chelsea are “interested” in securing the services of Stoke City youngster Souleymane Sidibe, according to Foot Mercato.
The French website claims the Blues are one of five clubs pursuing the teenager, who they describe as a “phenomenon”.
Sidibe is also being watched by Brighton, Rangers, Juventus and Monaco, with the player’s performances for Stoke’s first team this season having attracted attention.
The 17-year-old made his senior debut for the Potters against Rotherham on the opening day back in August, coming on as a substitute in the closing stages of the 4-1 victory.
A few days later, Sidibe made his first start, playing 87 minutes of the 2-1 win over West Brom in the first round of the Carabao Cup.
However, he wasn’t used as regularly throughout the rest of the campaign, having made only six more appearances for Stoke’s senior side after his full debut.
What do Chelsea fans need to know about Sidibe?
He is a box-to-box midfielder by trade, and he is strong with both feet, making him a very versatile player.
Even during his days in Stoke’s academy, Sidibe was being scouted by Premier League teams, including Manchester City, Manchester United and Liverpool.
However, he remained loyal to Stoke, with his father having played for the Potters across an eight-year spell between 2005 and 2013.
Sidibe is an England youth international, having been born in this country, but he is eligible to play for France and Mali.
Stoke will not let him go without a fight
With the midfielder tied down until the end of the 2025/26 season, his club are under no pressure to sell him this summer.
If Chelsea or another team want to snap up Sidibe over the coming months, they will be expected to pay a significant transfer fee. We shall have to wait and see whether the Blues firm up their interest.
