Chelsea will need to pay £5 million to secure the transfer of 19-year-old Max Bird from Derby County, Wayne Veysey from Football Insider reports.
Blues boss Frank Lampard, and assistant Jody Morris, worked with Bird at Derby last season. The pair now want to bring the youngster to Stamford Bridge this summer.
Chelsea Close in On Max Bird Signing
Hot Prospect
Central midfielder Bird has impressed at Pride Park. He rose through the youth ranks and made his maiden first-team appearance last season under Lampard.
Bird made 27 appearances overall for Derby and new manager Phillip Cocu kept faith in the 19-year-old this season. He started 12 Championship games and made two assists.
Before the season was suspended in early March due to the spread of Coronavirus, Bird impressed during a run of games throughout January and February.
The teenager started nine consecutive matches and seemingly secured the defensive midfielder role in Cocu’s Derby side.
A Cheaper Option for Lampard
At £5 million, Bird would prove to be a cheaper acquisition for Lampard this summer.
While Derby may be reluctant to part with their talented midfielder, it may be a case of necessity for the Rams as the Coronavirus pandemic continues to affect clubs’ finances across the country.
Lampard’s Admiration for Bird
It’s no secret that Lampard likes Bird and his style of play. The former Rams manager was full of praise for the youngster at the end of last season whilst still managing Derby.
As quoted in the Derby Telegraph, Lampard said: “He stands out as a young man. He is very polite with everyone, has a real desire to improve and he’s a good team-mate.
“Whether it has been for the youth teams or when he has been with the first team, he is an all-rounder.
“I have found him to be a great lad and our relationship is really good. I’d be pleased for him as an individual.”
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