Chelsea are closing in on a deal to sign Sheffield Wednesday youngster Yisa Alao, with a whole host of Premier League sides circling for his signature.
Chelsea Closing In On Yisa Alao Signing
Sheffield Wednesday youngster Yisa Alao is closing in on a move to Chelsea this January.
The 17-year-old has impressed for the Owls in an otherwise troubling period for the club, with his standout performances drawing interest from numerous potential Premier League suitors.
He made his first Championship start in his side’s 1-0 defeat by Portsmouth on Saturday and has now amassed a total of five senior appearances across all competitions this term.
Alao missed Tuesday night’s 2-0 loss to Birmingham due to a reported short-term injury.
Although the Blues look to have won the race for his signature, Manchester United, Manchester City, Liverpool and Everton are all said to have tabled their interest in the left wing-back.
A six-figure upfront fee is being discussed, while Wednesday are believed to be negotiating for some hefty add-ons to be included in the deal for the promising academy graduate.
Alao’s imminent departure comes amid a turbulent time for Sheffield Wednesday.
They are all but relegated from the second tier, as they currently sit at the bottom of the table on -7 points after they were awarded a series of points deductions earlier in the season.
The Owls have won just one league game all season and are winless in 22 straight matches.
As a result, head coach Henrik Pedersen features highly in the Championship sack race odds.
Further Outgoings Expected at Hillsborough
Alao is expected to be the first of several outgoings from Hillsborough Stadium this month.
Club captain Barry Bannan faces an uncertain future in South Yorkshire after being heavily linked with Millwall. Rangers, Motherwell, Preston North End and Stoke are also interested.
Bailey Cadamarteri is also drawing interest from clubs in the English Football League and Scotland, with Swansea, Blackburn, Hibernian and more among those vying for his signature.
Meanwhile, there have been a couple of incoming loan transfers.
The Owls have secured the additions of Murphy Cooper from Queens Park Rangers and Jaden Heskey from Manchester City on temporary deals until the end of the 2025-26 campaign.
They are also looking to add more loan players to their squad before the transfer window closes.
Sheffield Wednesday are next in action on Saturday afternoon away at Bristol City.
Their chances of overcoming the Robins could be boosted by the potential departure of Anis Mehmeti. Ipswich and Wolves want Mehmeti, with the Albanian linked with a January transfer.
