RAISING THE BAH

Clever Trevoh set for new deal after showing magic touch to Tuchel

TREVOH CHALOBAH is close to signing a new contract at Chelsea after a spectacular start to the season.

The 22-year-old admitted that watching Mason Mount, Reece James and Callum Hudson-Odoi all establish themselves in the

Blues first-team squad has inspired him to follow in their footsteps.

Last year, the versatile Chalobah, equally at home either as a defender or defensive midfielder, was on loan at French side Lorient, and it was there he caught the eye of Chelsea boss Thomas Tuchel, then in charge of Paris Saint-Germain.

Chalobah shone as a substitute against PSG, even though his side lost 2-0. That stint followed other loan spells at Ipswich and Huddersfield, and for a while it looked like Chalobah might be lost in the endless merry-goround of loan spells Chelsea youngsters find themselves on.

But Tuchel was impressed by him in pre-season, ruled out another loan move – and here he is. Now talks are close to being finalised on a new three-year deal for the latest academy product to break through at the Bridge.

Chalobah (right, and above with Tuchel) has started five league games out of nine this season, scoring twice (including against Southampton, above).

He helped the Blues to a 7-0 romp over Norwich on Saturday and is expected to keep his place for the visit of Saints tonight in the EFL Cup. He admitted: “Having played with those guys for so many years, watching them gave me the motivation to know I can be there as well, to work even harder – and that gave me the chance. With Ipswich and Huddersfield it was a big test to go from under-23s football into the Championship.

“At Lorient I knew if I did well, it would be a big step.

“I always knew I could play at a high level. I knew the ability I had.

“I adapted quickly and playing against Champions League clubs, against PSG, was an unbelievable experience.”

Tuchel is expected to rotate his squad tonight, with Thiago Silva and Kai Havertz (below) likely to be rested.

The Chelsea manager pointed to previous Stamford Bridge legends that he and Chalobah have to look to, like John Terry and Marcel Desailly, saying: “There are big examples in this club of what it takes to be a legend in defence.”