Chelsea have opened talks with 20-year-old centre-back Bashir Humphreys over a new contract, according to a report.
The England Under-20 international has not yet made his mark at Stamford Bridge since joining from Reading in 2019, making just one competitive appearance in a 4-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City last season.
Humphreys subsequently spent the second half of the campaign on loan with German second-tier side Paderborn, where he was a regular in the heart of the backline, assisting one goal in 13 matches.
Since returning to Cobham, Humphreys sought to prove his worth to Mauricio Pochettino on Chelsea's pre-season tour of the USA, where he played in all five of the Blues' games.
However, the 6ft 1in defender is due to become a free agent next year, and he is facing unenviable competition from Levi Colwill, Axel Disasi, Thiago Silva, Wesley Fofana, Trevoh Chalobah and Benoit Badiashile for defensive starts.
© Reuters
Nevertheless, the Evening Standard reports that Pochettino has liked what he has seen from Humphreys, who is now negotiating a new deal with Chelsea.
A loan move for the 2023-24 campaign could follow for the defender should he put pen to paper, and Coventry City - last season's losing Championship playoff finalists - are believed to be possible suitors.
Sporting directors Paul Winstanley and Laurence Stewart are also involved in the process of clarifying Humphreys's future, and the Blues feel that he is ready for first-team football in England.
While a move to Coventry is a possibility, the report adds that the Englishman will have a plethora of options to choose from following a productive six-month period in Germany.
Humphreys's strong form in the 2. Bundesliga earned him a place in the England squad for this year's Under-20 World Cup, and he started all four games for his nation, who lost to Italy in the last 16.
© Reuters
In addition to Humphreys, Chelsea are also believed to have started renewal talks with 21-year-old winger Ian Maatsen, who was another youngster to make a statement of intent in pre-season.
After helping Burnley achieve promotion back to the Premier League during a loan spell last term, Maatsen scored twice in a 5-0 win over Wrexham and also provided an assist against Newcastle United.
Meanwhile, Humphreys's fellow defender Lewis Hall is thought to be close to a temporary move to Crystal Palace, while midfielder Cesare Casadei is expected to head to Leicester City for the upcoming campaign.
Chelsea won the Premier League Summer Series during their unbeaten pre-season tour, and Pochettino's first top-flight game in charge comes at home to Liverpool on August 13.
Ben Knapton
