According to The Athletic, Chelsea are now set to win the race for Everton starlet Ishe Samuels-Smith, who was rumoured to be on Tottenham’s radar.
Smith caught the eye with his performances for Everton’s Under-21s and Under-18s last season.
Although the left-back is yet to make his senior debut for the Toffees, his displays in youth football have allegedly piqued the interest of several Premier League sides, including Spurs.
A couple of days ago, we relayed a report from The Daily Mail, which claimed that Tottenham had closely monitored the 17-year-old’s performances last season and were considering an offer.
However, the outlet added that the Lilywhites were facing competition from Chelsea and Manchester City for the teenager.
Samuels-Smith on his way to Chelsea, not Spurs
If The Athletic’s last update is to be believed, it is Chelsea who are set to win the race for Samuels-Smith, with the West London club alleged to have now agreed a fee of around £4m with Everton for the defender.
The report adds that the Toffees starlet is now set to pen a three-year deal at Stamford Bridge.
The same information has also been backed up by Fabrizio Romano, who took to social media to confirm that the Blues are now ‘closing in’ on a deal for Samuels-Smith.
Spurs Web Opinion
£4m is quite a steep fee for a 17-year-old who is yet to make his senior debut, which is why I am not surprised that Tottenham seemingly pulled out of the race.