CHELSEA are reportedly set to hand young defender Fikayo Tomori a bumper new contract to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
The 21-year-old has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough year, having already appeared 16 times this season under Frank Lampard.
Tomori instantly grabbed his first team chance at Stamford BridgeCredit: Getty – Contributor
And Goal report that talks with Tomori and his representatives have reached their final stages.
The academy graduate’s performances this season have even earned him a maiden England call-up – earning his first cap in the 4-0 win over Kosovo last month.
Tomori had previously experienced loan spells in the Championship with Brighton and Hull.
But it was last season, under Lampard at Derby, in which he really started to make huge strides, even winning the club’s Player of the Year award.
A potential loan move to Everton was blocked back in August, with Lampard keen on giving him a chance in the first team.
And with Antonio Rudiger’s lengthy injury absence, those chances came quicker than might have been expected.
Tomori’s extension will be just the latest in a long line of new contracts handed out to talented academy youngsters since Lampard took the reins at Chelsea.
The likes of Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi, Ruben Loftus-Cheek, Jamie Cumming and Billy Gilmour have all signed new deals this season.
And more could follow, with the club also in talks with Reece James and Tino Anjorin – as well as top scorer Tammy Abraham.
Brazilian Willian, whose contract expires at the end of the season, is another that the club would like to tie down at Stamford Bridge.
Tomori will be unavailable for tonight’s crunch Champions League clash with Lille through injury – but Rudiger could return for the Blues.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk