Chelsea’s England under-20s starlet Jake Clarke-Salter has undergone a medical ahead of being unveiled by Premier League strugglers Sunderland as a loan signing.
That’s according to various media reports, which claim the young centre-back was wooed by Black Cats’ boss Chris Coleman after he told the star he would be an integral part of his side’s relegation battle.
The 20-year-old, who shone while on loan at Bristol Rovers last season and featured heavily in the Three Lions’ historic FIFA U20 World Cup victory last summer, has seen his first-time opportunities at Stamford Bridge limited, making just one appearance – in the Carabao Cup – this term.
That being said, the Blues reportedly have Clarke-Salter in their long-term plans; John Terry once talked up the Carshalton-born prospect as having the potential to emulate his Chelsea legacy one day, and the 20-year-old signed a new four-year-deal at the start of the current campaign. The fact that they are only willing to allow him to leave on loan is indicative of the high regard the Premier League champions hold him in.
Sunderland manager Coleman reportedly faced stiff competition for the signature of the youngster – not least from Championship outfit Nottingham Forest – with his own centre-back credentials from his playing days having a strong hand in convincing Clarke-Salter to make the move to Wearside.
