Jude Bellingham has earned huge praise following his performances for England at the World Cup, with former England boss Sven Goran Eriksson lauding the teenager by comparing him to Paul Scholes.
Chelsea have been consistently linked with the teenage star, with Todd Boehly hoping to further improve his squad following a difficult start to their Premier League campaign with Chelsea sitting ninth ahead of the league's restart on Boxing Day. However, they will face an important decision having already spent £272 million this season, meaning that a transfer could take their spending above £400 million amid Bellingham's reported £131 million asking price.
Midfield reinforcements appear key for Chelsea, with the injury problems faced by N'Golo Kante as well as the age profile of players such as Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic. Bellingham would fit the bill perfectly in this regard, with the former Birmingham City youngster still a teenager.
READ MORE: Chelsea set to hijack Arsenal move for transfer target Dusan Vlahovic after agent 'contact'
Bellingham was ever-present for England at the World Cup, starting all five of the Three Lions' matches in the tournament and scoring in their opening fixture against Iran. The midfielder was also impressive in his ability to create chances, with his performance against Senegal in particular earning praise.
He has also drawn praise from former England boss Eriksson, with the Swede drawing comparisons with Paul Scholes who he managed at the 2002 World Cup as well as Euro 2004 before his premature international retirement at the age of 29.
Eriksson was speaking to OLBG when he made the comparison, explaining that his ability to create goals is akin to the former Manchester United playmaker.
He explained: "Jude Bellingham seems to have no nerves at all and has all the confidence in the world. He can dribble in tight situations and he's an elegant player, he can drift away with the ball. I really like Bellingham.
"Bellingham reminds me of Paul Scholes, he can dribble, pass and score goals. They're not exactly the same player, but if I was to compare him to anyone, I wouldn't say Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard, he reminds me more of Paul Scholes."
It has not been since Wayne Rooney's performances under Eriksson at Euro 2004 that an English player has caught the eye in the way that Bellingham did in Qatar. This has drawn comparisons, however, the Swedish manager has claimed that it is difficult to compare the two players due to their different roles.
"Wayne Rooney made his debut for England around the same age as Jude Bellingham, but he was a striker and finisher, he scored a lot of goals for England. The skill is there in Bellingham as it was in Wayne Rooney when he was 19. But it's difficult to compare them," he added.
Chelsea will face massive competition for Bellingham, with Liverpool believed to be leading the way in the transfer race as Manchester City, Real Madrid and PSG all eye the impressive young midfielder.
READ NEXT:
Chelsea's Joao Felix transfer stance revealed following Armando Broja injury news
Ziyech, Hutchinson - Six Chelsea stars to be impacted by Armando Broja's season-ending injury
Reece James sends Graham Potter message after Aston Villa as Chelsea transfer priority emerges
Chelsea prepare Real Madrid raid for bargain free transfer as Todd Boehly eyes Thiago Silva heir
Chelsea news and transfers LIVE: Latest news, rumours and gossip from Stamford Bridge
