According to reports in France, Chelsea are keeping tabs on ESTAC Troyes goalkeeper Paul Bernardoni ahead of a potential January move.
The 18-year-old has already demonstrated his promise in Ligue 1 so far this season, and while Troyes are struggling—they currently sit bottom of the pile, eight points off safety—Bernardoni has been responsible for some excellent saves and has managed his defence with the maturity of a much older man.
He starred this weekend as Troyes secured a 0-0 draw at home against Monaco, and also saved Lacina Traore’s early penalty.
According to Le 10 Sport, Chelsea have taken note and have already made contact with Troyes as they explore the possibility of signing the stopper.
It appears as though the managerial change at the club—with Jose Mourinho replaced by Guus Hiddink this week—has not dampened the Blues’ enthusiasm in Bernardoni.
Indeed, Le 10 Sport note that Chelsea are keen to complete a move for the teenage sensation in January and then loan him back to Troyes for the rest of the campaign, indicating that Hiddink is very much part of the plans bring the starlet to Stamford Bridge.
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Bernardoni may be encouraged by the example of Thibaut Courtois, who joined Chelsea as a teenager in 2011, and has steadily worked his way up to the No. 1 spot.