Championship club Leeds United have submitted a bid for Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu, according to the Evening Standard.
The 22-year-old was on Chelsea’s list for their pre-season tour of the United States. However, he may have to stay behind to complete a move to Elland Road.
Amapdu has interest from England, Spain and Italy, but Leeds have made the only offer and he is close to joining them permanently.
The Blues have set a £12 million on the versatile Ampadu. The Welsh international prefers to play in midfield but can deputise at the back.
Ampadu has one year left on his deal, and Chelsea are eager to sell him now to avoid letting him depart for free in 2024.
The former Exter City youngster joined Chelsea in 2017. Then-sporting director Michael Emenalo took the risk to sign him.
However, he has only made 12 appearances for the club since moving to London after failing to nail down a starting role.
He initially went on loan to RB Leipzig in the Bundesliga but failed to establish himself there.
Amapdu was loaned to Sheffield United, Venezia and Spezia, but suffered three consecutive relegations. He now looks set to find a permanent destination in Leeds.
Chelsea have cleared out their bloated squad, with several stars leaving the club this summer, but they have a few players on their books to shift.
Romelu Lukaku, Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Hakim Ziyech and Callum Hudson-Odoi are still on their books.
Ampadu could be the next to leave Stamford Bridge, with Leeds closing in on an agreement over a transfer.
