Highly-rated youngster Alfie Gilchrist has reportedly extended his contract with Chelsea amid reports linking him with a January exit.
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Gilchrist is yet to make his senior debut but has been named on the first-team bench a couple of times, most recently for the goalless draw at Bournemouth last Sunday.
The 19-year-old’s credentials at youth level are impressive however, as the defender nominated for the Premier League 2 Player of the Year award last season, and is currently Chelsea U21 captain.
Mauricio Pochettino is aware of his talent, taking Gilchrist on the club’s pre-season tour over the summer, where he played around 75 minutes in the USA.
Chelsea clearly rate their academy prospect and, according to the Evening Standard, they have secured his future for a little while long, extending his contract by a further year to 2025.
This move has been made after the teenager attracted strong interest from Sheffield United over the summer, who were keen on signing the centre-back on a permanent transfer.
The Blues are keen on keeping the youngster at Stamford Bridge for the long-term, but may yet entertain the idea of sending him out on loan when the transfer window re-opens in January.
Though he did make the match day squad recently, Gilchrist is unlikely to get first-team opportunities this season, even with the club currently enduring an injury crisis.
Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Benoit Badiashile and Wesley Fofana are all ahead in the pecking order, though the latter two are currently on the sidelines.
Gilchrist’s next chance to make his debut will be this Sunday when Chelsea hostAston Villa.
The Blues have won just one of their first five league games under Pochettino and are currently 14th in the table.
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