Chelsea starlet Tariq Lamptey to join Brighton in shock transfer after snubbing new Stamford Bridge deal
BRIGHTON have won the race to sign Chelsea academy prospect Tariq Lamptey.
The 19-year-old has snubbed the offer of a new deal at Stamford Bridge and the Seagulls have agreed an undisclosed fee with the Blues.
Lamptey had been in talks with Lille over signing a pre-contract agreement to move to France when his contract with Chelsea ran out at the end of this season.
But Brighton boss Graham Potter moved quickly to persuade the defender his best option would be to make the switch to the Amex.
Lamptey made a huge impression in his first team debut for Chelsea in the win at Arsenal and boss Frank Lampard was keen to keep him in his squad.
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But the right-back, who can also play midfield, had concerns that his first team opportunities would be limited by competing with Cesar Azpilicueta and Reece James.
Potter sold Lamptey on the prospect of being given the chance to develop with more regular senior football at a club that likes to play football on the ground.
Meanwhile, Chelsea striker Olivier Giroud is still being linked with a host of clubs, with Newcastle and Spurs thought to be the strongest contenders.
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Inter Milan and Lazio have also eyed the French World Cup winner, 33.
But with Lampard looking for younger back-up for Tammy Abraham, the Blues have lost out to Hertha Berlin over AC Milan’s Krzyzstof Piatek.
Tottenham were also reportedly keen on the Poland ace, who has cost the Germans around £22.7m.