Chelsea defender Kenneth Omeruo appears set for an unexpected promotion to the Blues first-team at the club next season.
According to Caught Offside‘s sources, Blues coach Antonio Conte is already considering the make-up of his Chelsea squad ahead of next season.
The Italian manager has been boosted by Roman Abramovich’s decision to offer the club’s skipper John Terry a new extension, but he is nonetheless considering a shake-up to his options in the heart of the defence.
With one veteran set to stay on the club’s books, Conte is keen to lower the average age of the Pensioners’ defensive options, and will listen to offers for either Branislav Ivanovic and Gary Cahill, according to our sources.
However, Conte remains concerned about being caught short in the heart of the park—particularly as Kurt Zouma continues his rehabilitation from injury.
As such, the manager is understood to be considering offering Nigeria international Omeruo the chance to prove himself during the first six months of the season and demonstrate that he can be a long-term option for the west London giants.
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The West African, who has a contract until 2018, has impressed this season on loan at Turkish side Kasimpasa and looks set to be finally given the chance to step up.
However, Conte’s preference for the versatile Super Eagle spells bad news for Czech defender Tomas Kalas, who will be allowed to leave the club.