By Jonty Banks

22nd Nov, 2022 | 2:10pm

Chelsea targeting teenage sensation Triston Rowe in academy recruitment drive - report

Chelsea are keeping tabs on 16-year-old full-back Tristan Rowe, who is currently playing for the Aston Villa Under-21s, according to the Evening Standard.

The England Under-16s international was recently watched by Chelsea scouts and they have reportedly been impressed by what they have seen from the youngster.

Rowe has made three appearances for Villa’s Under-21s side after joining the club from West Brom 18 months ago.

The Evening Standard believes that a move for the teenager would be part of a long-term plan for The Blues.

The report said: “The interest in Rowe is part of a wide-scale investment plan at the academy level following the Boehly-Clearlake takeover.

“The Blues spent well over £30million signing teenage stars through their academy budget like Carney Chukwuemeka, Cesare Casadei and Omari Hutchinson.

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“They want to continue this trend into the upcoming January transfer window and beyond.”

Long term investment

Chelsea are renowned for cherry-picking the best and most talented youngsters across Europe and developing them at the renowned Cobham training facility – and it would come as no surprise if this were to happen again here.

Players such as Reece James, Mason Mount and Conor Gallagher are just a few names to have come through The Blues youth system, and they can use this to advantage in their pursuit of Rowe.

Chelsea’s long-term investment plan has been clear to see since the Boehly-Clearlake takeover, with the club signing Aston Villa starlet Chukwuemeka, alongside other young prospects such as Eddie Beach.

If they can snap up teen-sensation Rowe from Aston Villa, the Chelsea hierarchy will be licking their lips at the number of potential superstars they have coming through the ranks.

And with Graham Potter renowned for giving young players a chance in his first team, the long-term plan for the club is well underway.

In other news, Frank Lampard full of praise for Everton youngster Isaac Price in Celtic draw.