Cole Palmer shows true colours as new Chelsea signing reveals secret text and Reece James advice

Estevao Willian has revealed Cole Palmer and Reece James have already made contact ahead of his transfer to Chelsea in the new year. The Blues signed the 17-year-old winger from Palmeiras in the summer, agreeing an initial £29m deal, which includes performance-based add-ons.

Chelsea raised eyebrows when they forked out such a hefty fee for Estevao, but he now looks to be a shrewd investment. This season, the teenage sensation has featured 31 times for Verdão in the Brasileirão, scoring 13 goals and providing nine assists.

Despite missing numerous games due to an ankle injury and a hamstring strain, Estevao smashed a 15-year record set by Neymar. In 2009, at the same age, the Al-Hilal winger managed to record 16 direct goal contributions for Santos in the Brazilian top flight.

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While Estevao couldn't fire Abel Ferreira's side to glory, finishing second in the Brasileirão behind only Botafogo, he was still recognised for his tremendous performances. The Chelsea wonderkid, who has been previously dubbed 'Messinho', was named the 'Best Young Player' and 'Best Forward'

He was also handed the ESPN Brasileirão Player of the Season award, making him the youngest winner since Neymar in 2011. In an interview with ESPN, Estevao revealed that he's also spoken to two senior players at Stamford Bridge, as well as Thiago Silva, who's now at Fluminense.

"I really like this celebration (by Cole Palmer)," said the Blues ace. "Ever since I signed with Chelsea I said I was going to do this celebration. We exchanged ideas, I'm happy to have this contact with him. I'm learning English, it's hard, it's a good technique (film without subtitles), music...

"I haven't visited Chelsea yet, but if I have the opportunity, now on vacation, I'll get to know the structure," Estevao added. "There are Chelsea agents here in Brazil who speak to you. Palmer speaks to me on Instagram.

"There's [Reece] James who said that if I needed anything I should speak to him. Thiago Silva spoke to me in that last game (against Palmeiras, at the Allianz Parque). He said that the club is top and they are waiting for me with open arms."

Then, on his best position and what number he wants to wear at Chelsea, Estevao said: "I don't have (a preference), but I really like 41. If I have 41 that would be cool too. I've always been a number ten and I went to the wing to have one-on-ones.

"Of course I respect Abel's (Ferreira) decision, I know that I've enjoyed being on the wing more, but who knows, in the future I'll play where I feel more comfortable, which is inside."

Speaking to reporters after Chelsea's win over Bournemouth in September, Enzo Maresca was asked for his thoughts on Estevao, who had been given his senior debut for Brazil during the international break. He became the second-youngest player to debut for his country this century after Endrick when Seleção Canarinho enjoyed a 1-0 win over Ecuador.

The Blues boss said: "Yes, we are following him. He is doing fantastic but unfortunately he is doing fantastic there and not with us. We are going to wait until next summer when he will arrive here but for sure we are very happy in the way he is doing these things."