HULL have emerged as the leading contenders in the race to sign Chelsea youngster Tariq Uwakwe.
Derby had been chasing the young midfielder, 20, who the Blues have decided can spend the next 18 months on loan away from Stamford Bridge.
Hull are leading the race to sign Tariq Uwakwe on loanCredit: Getty
Swansea have also been showing an interest in the midfielder having signed Chelsea team-mate Marc Guehi on similar terms last week.
But Championship rivals Hull have shown the strongest interest and hope to tie up a deal this week.
Uwakwe signed a new three-year deal at Stamford Bridge last summer and is tipped to be another academy product to move into the first-team under Frank Lampard.
He has played seven times in Premier League 2 this season – helping the Under-23s reach the top of the table.
The England Under-20 youth international also started in the 3-2 win away at Swindon in the EFL Trophy in August.
This term, Uwakwe has played on both the right and left of midfield, as well as in a No10 role.
Uwakwe was chased by West Brom last year, but rejected the Baggies’ proposal after they wanted a loan move with an option to buy.
Blues assistant manager Jody Morris is a big fan of the midfielder, with the youngster winning the FA Youth Cup under his tutelage.
Lampard says no decision has been made on Olivier Giroud’s future
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
