Allnigeriasoccer.com has been told that English Premier League giants Chelsea have released promising Nigeria-eligible midfielder Dubem Eze.

It is that time of the season when clubs have to make decisions over their scholarship intakes for the 2021-2022 campaign and the Blues have informed Eze to look for a new club.

Capable of playing as a holding and box-to-box midfielder, Eze started the season as a Chelsea U16 player and the club's decision to part company with him is strange as he was touted to be one of the most talented players of Nigerian descent in their academy ranks.

He was part of the Chelsea side that won the Premier League U15 International Tournament in 2019 and that same year he earned a call-up to England's youth team.

As things stand, Derby County are thought to be in pole position for the signature of Eze, having invited him for trials with a view to offering him a contract.

Another midfielder of Nigerian descent Bayo Fapetu, 16, formerly with Arsenal has already agreed a scholarship with the Rams ahead of next season.

Ifeanyi Emmanuel