- EXCLUSIVE from Graeme Bailey
Chelsea are scouting Gent defender Archie Brown, who is on the radar of Leeds United and West Ham United as well, HITC understands.
Sources have told HITC that a host of Premier League clubs, including Chelsea, watched English prospect Archie Brown in action at the weekend.
Archie Brown a fine English prospect
Brown has emerged as one of the best prospects in Belgian football after joining Gent from Swiss club FC Lausanne-Sport in the summer of 2023.
The 21-year-old came through the youth ranks at Derby County. He was initially a winger and was later converted to a wing-back, and it is in this role that he has impressed hugely. He is also able to play as a left-back.
Brown has made 18 starts and one substitute appearance in the Jupiler Pro League for Gent so far this season. The youngster has given two assists in those games.
Chelsea and Leeds United scouting Archie Brown
HITC can reveal that Chelsea are one of the sides checking on Brown’s progress. The Blues are looking around Europe at left-back options, and HITC revealed earlier this year they were also keeping tabs on Brest’s Bradley Locko.
Locko also attracted interest from West Ham United, who won against Everton in the Premier League this past weekend. The Hammers are one of the clubs who have been watching Brown, who could be set for a move back to England this summer.
HITC can also reveal that Brentford, Fulham and promotion-chasing Leeds United have also been looking at Brown, who has a number of foreign suitors as well.
Leeds are third in the Championship table at the moment with 73 points from 35 matches, two points behind second-placed Ipswich Town and five points behind leaders Leicester City.
Chelsea, who lost the Carabao Cup final to Liverpool, are 11th in the Premier League table with 36 points from 26 games.
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