Exclusive: Birmingham City, Wolves and Sheffield United make approaches for Chelsea sensation

Wolves, Sheffield United and Birmingham City are battling it out to sign Chelsea defender Harry McGlinchey, sources have told Football Insider.

The 18-year-old has been told he is free to leave Chelsea this month with a sell-on clause to be included in any move.

Wolves, Sheffield United and Birmingham have all expressed an interest in the Republic of Ireland Under-19 international.

The trio are hoping to land the teenager with the offer of a quicker pathway to first-team football.

Harry McGlinchey a star for the future

McGlinchey signed his first professional contract with Chelsea in December 2024, and is currently part of the club’s under-21 squad.

The teenager is yet to appear for the first team, but he has made six appearances for Ireland’s under-19 squad.

Newly appointed Chelsea manager Liam Rosenior favoured a young team whilst at Strasbourg, and does want to continue offering opportunities to upcoming talent.

Rosenior appointed under-21 boss Calum McFarlane as his assistant, meaning integrating academy talent into the first team could be a target for the duo whilst at Stamford Bridge.

Chelsea have spent heavily since BlueCo took over the club in 2022, making it difficult for academy players to breakthrough into the first team.

Chelsea could sanction January sale

Chelsea could allow striker David Datro Fofana to leave in January, amid the 23-year-old’s difficulty in breaking through at the club.

Fofana has spent the first half of the season on loan at Turkish club Fatih Karagumruk, and Chelsea could now sell him permanently in this window.

Celtic could make a move for Fofana in their search of attacking reinforcements, but Chelsea would prefer a permanent deal over a loan move.

The striker has made 18 Premier League appearances, scoring four goals, all for Burnley, and contributing one assist.

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