Chelsea appear to be edging towards the signing of Derby County youngster Dylan Williams after he was left out of the Rams’ squad on Saturday.
Derby were taking on Nottingham Forest in the East Midlands Derby at the City Ground, with Wayne Rooney’s men aiming to continue their push for Championship survival - the visitors eventually falling to a 2-1 defeat.
One notable name left out of the club’s starting XI for the game was Dylan Williams, who appears to be on the verge of securing a move to Stamford Bridge. Of course, it would be expected that he would be left out considering the sensitivity of the transfer but a deal now appears to be imminent.
Rams’ boss Rooney confirmed on Friday that an unnamed Premier League club had a bid accepted for the 18-year-old, with Derby’s dire financial situation and resultant administration forcing them to cash-in.
He said: "We have agreed a fee with a Premier League club, still getting finalised as we speak, for Dylan Williams.
"It is one where I felt I couldn't deny him the opportunity, so that is my decision, not an administrator's decision," Rooney added.
"It was my decision after speaking to the player, I felt I couldn't deny a young lad an opportunity of going to play in the Premier League."
A fee for the youngster has not been revealed, although Williams is set to become Chelsea ’s first arrival of the January window.
Prior to his switch to west London, he had made eight appearances for the Rams throughout the season, playing in a variety of different positions, including central midfield and left-back.
He is expected to go straight into the youth ranks at Cobham, with an eye on progressing him as one for the future.
Chelsea have been working hard to get new faces through the door throughout the January transfer window as they attempt to compensate for the long-term injuries suffered by Ben Chilwell and Reece James.
Thomas Tuchel has not ruled out doing any business between now and the deadline in just over a week-and-a-half.
He said: “I cannot say no to it. Also I am not convinced it is a clear yes.”
