Chelsea have joined Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur in the race for Middlesbrough’s Isaiah Jones, according to reports.
The 22-year-old has had a stand-out season for Chris Wilder’s side, featuring at right wing-back.
The youngster, who is a natural winger, was pushed back when Wilder joined the club and became one of the top performers in the Championship.
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Jones registered nine assists, and scored once, with Boro missing out on the play-off places.
The wing-back also impressed against Chelsea, Manchester United and Tottenham in the FA Cup, perhaps being the foundation of interest from the Premier League trio.
According to 90min, Chelsea have been tracking the 22-year-old ahead of a potential summer move.
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However, the Blues have been dealt a blow as Jones admitted that he beleives remaining at Middlesbrough would be the best course of action for his development.
"I'm confident and I believe in my own ability, so of course I believe I can achieve that and play one day in the Premier League, but I know I've got to show that level consistently," he said.
"I know in myself that there is a lot more to come and hearing praise just motivates me to go harder.
"It's always nice to hear praise, but when people say to me, 'you should be in the Premier League' and 'you should leave Middlesbrough', I'm like, 'No, I really enjoy it here'.
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"I'm improving here every day. That's what I train hard for, to improve and work hard on my weaknesses. I don't really miss home when I'm up there either. I've got my own crib.
"It's great to hear nice things, but at the same time, you've got to stay humble.
"You get the buzz when people say nice things after games, but ultimately it's then back to work and focusing on the next game after that."
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Chelsea have been recently linked with RC Lens’ Jonathan Clauss, as Cesar Azpilicueta remains a Barcelona target.
The Chelsea captain could return to Spain this summer, with right wing-back options being targeted to provide cover and competition for Reece James.
Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel previously admitted that Azpilicueta may be allowed to leave the club this summer if he is not fully committed to the Blues.
"He is only the guy he is when he is fully committed.
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"That is his foundation. So this is what we have to find out.
"That does not mean we find it out tomorrow or today, we still have time because we are also in the privileged position where we have a contract. We have to see," he previously said.
It remains to be seen as to whether the Blues will make a move for Jones or Clauss this summer, with the former attracting attention from other Premier League clubs.
Topics: Chelsea, Chelsea Transfer News & Rumours, Middlesbrough, Transfers, Football
Nick Emms