Four cracking Championship prospects being targeted by Chelsea

Chelsea have been linked with several young players at Championship clubs in recent months. Blues scouts are reportedly looking for young talent below the Premier League to snap up when the transfer window reopens.

Blues boss Frank Lampard knows there is plenty of potential in the Championship, having spent last season as Derby County manager. Here are four players Chelsea are said to be tracking…

Max Bird

Derby will demand £5m for Bird if Chelsea make a move for the youngster, according to Football Insider.

The same website recently claimed that Chelsea were interested in Bird, who is regarded as a major prospect.

Bird, 19, is well known to Chelsea’s former Derby boss Lampard, prompting reports that he has been lined up for a move to Stamford Bridge.

Calum Kavanagh

Chelsea are also interested in Middlesbrough’s 16-year-old forward Calum Kavanagh, reports claim.

The Sun say the Blues, Arsenal, Newcastle and Leicester have been showing an interest in the Republic of Ireland Under-17 international.

Dublin’s Evening Herald reckon Celtic are also keen on Kavanagh.

Han-Noah Massengo

Bristol City’s Massengo has also been linked with the Blues.

The 18-year-old midfielder has impressed for the Robins, prompting speculation that big clubs could show an interest.

Football League World say Chelsea and German outfit Borussia Dortmund have had Massengo watched.

Nathan Collins

It’s also been claimed that Chelsea are showing a “strong interest” in Stoke City’s Republic of Ireland Under-21 international centre-back Nathan Collins.

Manchester United were previously linked with Collins and apparently decided against signing him.

The Irish Sun say United are showing an interest again and that Arsenal are also keen, but that Chelsea “are thought to be closest to making a move to sign him.”