Chelsea prepare January move for Bayer's Leon Bailey

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Bengaluru, December 9: Premier League holders Chelsea are lining up a January bid of around £20million for Bayer Leverkusen winger Leon Bailey.

The 20-year-old Jamaica international has been scouted on three different occasions by the Blues this season and the scouts like the player, as per reports.

Reports from English media claim that Bailey has been monitored by Chelsea over the past 18 months and was watched several times last season when he was at Belgian side Genk.

Bailey is rated one of the quickest players in the Bundesliga, and is contracted to Leverkusen until 2022.

Chelsea are understood to be willing to take him on loan next month.

Barcelona have also registered an interest in the right winger. But Chelsea have stolen a march on the player, having discussed about a potential transfer with Bayer Leverkusen first.

The player is the latest in a line of young talent Chelsea have made a habit of signing with a view of developing their potential.

It is reported that Bailey is not a target of Conte, but is a target of Chelsea’s board of recruitment, which will be worrying for the fans. It is a public knowledge that there is a difference of opinion between Conte and the Chelsea hierarchy.

Bailey is a fast and technically-gifted winger and Conte should really like the player as he is well capable of playing on either flank.

The youngster has made a total of 12 appearances for Bayer this season, scoring 5 goals in the process.

Hazard to Real? Unreal

Meanwhile, Chelsea legend Michael Essien fears Eden Hazard could be set to quit for a move to Real Madrid.

He said: “Eden could go to Real to win the Ballon d’Or easier. I hope Chelsea can tie him down for a long time.”