News Beat
Chelsea wonderkid and ‘Mudryk clone’ set for Championship transfer as Blues insert savvy clause
CHELSEA starlet Frankie Runham is edging towards completing a switch to Ipswich – but he could still end up heading back to Stamford Bridge in the future.
Blues chief Liam Rosenior has given the winger, 19, the green light to seal a move to Portman Road.
And Runham is in line to join Championship promotion chasers Ipswich on loan with a potential obligation to buy.
But Fabrizio Romano reports that Chelsea will insert a buyback clause if the move becomes permanent.
It means that Runham, who is still waiting to make his senior debut for the West Londoners, could make a shock return if he shines in his new surroundings.
Ipswich are viewing the England youth international as a key part of their plans after boss Kieran McKenna decided to prioritise landing the exciting Chelsea talent this month.
Runham notched a goal during Chelsea’s 5-0 thrashing of Qarabag in the Uefa Youth League in November.
The wonderkid has also found the back of the net 11 times and registered a further nine assists in 49 appearances for the Blues’ Under-18s.
He has been described by fans as a clone of Mykhailo Mudryk, who is still on the sidelines.
The Ukrainian was charged by the FA for violating anti-doping rules in June, resulting in him facing a four-year ban.
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But Mudryk has denied any wrongdoing and is still battling to clear his name.
Rosenior penned a mega contract until 2032 when he was appointed as Enzo Maresca’s successor in the Chelsea dugout earlier this month.
And the former Strasbourg supremo, 41, is looking to make changes to the squad he inherited.
Chelsea did business with Ipswich last summer – when Liam Delap headed to Stamford Bridge in a £30million deal.
Runham is poised to move in the opposite direction midway through the season after struggling to find a route into the first-team picture.
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