Chelsea to make transfer decision to secure major windfall amid imminent £19m announcement

Chelsea have an option to extend Harvey Vale's contract at the club by a further year, football.london understands.

The 20-year-old has just 12 months remaining on his current deal at Stamford Bridge but the club could exercise the option to extend his stay this summer. Vale spent the 2023/24 season on loan with League One club Bristol Rovers and impressed during his stint at the Memorial Stadium.

The versatile attacker played in a number of positions for Rovers last season including at left wing-back. Vale, who was signed from Fulham as an Under-13, could be set for another loan spell this summer to further his experience.

Vale made his debut for Chelsea's senior side in December 2021, where he ended up making five appearances under Thomas Tuchel throughout the season. A dream season for Vale was topped off by captaining England at the Under-19s Euros tournament the following summer, where the Young Lions were crowned champions.

The England Under-20s international will return to Cobham next week for the beginning of Chelsea's pre-season preparations. Vale is expected to be joined by the likes of Omari Hutchinson, who has also been linked with a move away from the Blues this summer.

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While a lot of Chelsea's senior squad are out around the world representing their respective countries in international tournaments, incoming head coach Enzo Maresca will get his chance to look at some of the academy talent on show at Cobham. The Italian coach officially starts his new role at Chelsea on July 1, where he will have the chance to work with some players for around a fortnight at the club's training complex before they jet off to the United States for the pre-season tour.

Meanwhile, Aston Villa youngster Omari Kellyman is expected to join Chelsea, football.london understands. The 18-year-old, who has made six senior appearances during his time at Villa Park, is close to completing his move to Stamford Bridge for £19million.