English-born Ghanaian defender Tariq Lamptey has a pre-contract offer on the table from Lille, with his future looking likely to be away from Stamford Bridge.
The Chelsea academy graduate is in the final year of his deal and the Ligue 1 club want to secure the services of the right back ahead of next season.
The 19 year old who has made three first-team appearances off the bench over the last month is understood to be eager to move to the French club as he believes he won’t get much playing time at Chelsea.
Chelsea boss Frank Lampard has high hopes for the 19-year-old and wants to tie him to a longer deal, despite huge competition in his position offered by Reece James and Cesar Azpilicueta.
OGC Nice have also held interest in Lamptey and were hopeful of landing the him this month.
Lille are front runners, however, with the offer of a long-term contract to move to France.
Chelsea would be due a fee for the defender because he is under 24 but the player is free to sign a pre-contract this month.
Born in England to Ghanaian parents, Lamptey has featured for most of England’s youth teams. He is however eligible to switch permanently and represent Ghana at senior national level.