Patrick Bamford to leave Blues? Five clubs for Chelsea’s young striker
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Chelsea (8/1 to win the 2015/15 Champions League with Coral) have apparently slapped a £10m price-tag on 21-year-old poacher Patrick Bamford, whose prolific scoring last season on loan to Middlesbrough saw him crowned 2014/2015 Championship Player of the Year.
Having netted 19 times across all competitions for Boro, Bamford is clearly ready to test himself in the top tier, but may only have limited chances to develop at Stamford Bridge. So, where could the sought-after sharpshooter switch to? Here are our five shouts…
Aston Villa
Tim Sherwood’s stock is high in regards to rearing youth, with both Harry Kane and Nabil Bentaleb given first-team chances by the former Tottenham boss, while Jack Grealish has also impressed under his tutelage.
Villa are already aiming to recruit fresh faces for next term and, with top scorer Christian Benteke looking bound to leave, the Midlands men should have space, and certainly funds, should the big Belgian’s mooted £35m release clause be activated.
Everton
The Toffees could also lose a Belgium international in Romelu Lukaku, should their record signing angle for a move. Regardless, Everton require more strength, and quality, in depth if they are to avoid a repeat of this season’s struggles.
There would be plenty of game time on offer at Goodison Park, and manager Roberto Martinez’s methods and possession-based football would suit the striker well.
Leicester City
Another Midlands club in need of additions is Leicester, who amazingly clawed their way out of the relegation zone last term. Should Grantham-born goal machine Bamford arrive at the King Power he would have the chance to stake a claim for a leading role, as recent striking signings Leonardo Ulloa and Andrej Kramaric have failed to fire the Foxes to new heights.
Newcastle United
The Magpies (5/1 to be relegated in 2015/16) are reportedly leading the queue for Blues boy Bamford, who came through the ranks at Nottingham Forest, as they look to refresh their attacking options after a disappointing campaign.
Bamford’s exuberance and eye for goal could make him a St James’ Park cult hero, and would see Newcastle boast a promising poaching partnership including Spanish young-gun Ayoze Perez, who has lacked support this season.
Sunderland
Newcastle’s Northeast rivals Sunderland are also said to be sniffing around the striker, with Dutch coach Dick Advocaat reportedly to be handed a £50m transfer warchest. The Black Cats’ current forward line of Jermain Defoe, Steven Fletcher and Connor Wickham combined for a lacklustre 14 league goals this term, meaning Bamford would have every chance of a starting spot at the Stadium of Light.
Watch Bamford’s best for Boro:
