Chelsea in Talks with Brightons Sturge

90min reports that Chelsea is set to sign Brighton wonderkid Zak Sturge. He is also wanted by Tottenham Hotspur and Leeds.

After he refused to sign a contract at the Amex Stadium, Antonio Conte and Jesse Marsch both wanted to sign the 18 year-old. However, it is believed that Thomas Tuchel is close to a deal and the pair seem to have lost out.

He is now ready to discuss personal terms and the Blues.

Chelsea will need to pay a compensation fee to Brighton, despite Sturge being a free transfer. This is because he is a product of their Academy.

Sturge represented England at youth level and has made three appearances in Premier League 2.

Although it is a shame that Tottenham missed out on such a bright prospect they should not be too disappointed considering the immediate options in the left-back department.

Spurs have recently signed Ivan Perisic to their team. He was a star left-winger for Inter Milan last year.

Conte may also use Sergio Reguilon and Ryan Sessegnon in this area.

However, Leeds needs a new left back in Marsch’s situation.

Junior Firpo was unsuccessful in his first season in the Premier League. There is very little competition for the 25 year-old.

You may argue that Sturge wouldn’t be able to walk right into the first-team. However, it is easy to see how much talent is still lingering at Premier League academies by looking at Marc Guehi, Armando Broja and Conor Gallagher.

Marsch will hopefully soon find a left-back.