Leeds United are closing in on the signing of Lewis Bate from Chelsea.
According to The Athletic’s Simon Johnson, the two clubs have agreed a fee for the talented young central midfielder.
Chelsea have inserted a sell-on clause in the player’s contract, but there will be no buy-back option.
Leeds are now discussing personal terms with the 18-year-old, and he could undergo his medical tomorrow.
Lewis Bate is closing in on a move from #CFC to #LUFC. Fee has been agreed with a sell on clause, no buy back. Personal terms being discussed in view of a medical tomorrow. Still possibility of another club hijacking it late but obviously time is running out for that to happen.
— Simon Johnson (@SJohnsonSport) July 20, 2021
Bate is a key member of Chelsea’s under 23 squad and is highly rated by the London club.
His signing is clearly a long-term acquisition for Leeds, and it is unlikely that he will join up with Marcelo Bielsa’s first-team squad anytime soon.
The youngster has tremendous potential and could develop into a key player for the Whites in the coming seasons.
Leeds have helped young midfielders like Kalvin Phillips develop into quality Premier League players, and Bate will be hoping to break into the first team scene soon.
Chelsea will probably be disappointed with his departure, but they were under pressure to sell him this summer due to his contract situation.
Bate’s current deal at Stamford Bridge expires in 2022, and he would have been a free agent next year.
Read: Leeds keen on signing 24-year-old winger.
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