Liverpool youngster chooses Man United over Chelsea

In recent years few, if any, academies in European football have produced quite the volume of talent that Chelsea’s Cobham has churned out. 

Aside from the handful of stars now playing for the first team, including Reece James, Mason Mount, Callum Hudson-Odoi and Tammy Abraham, there is also a plethora of stars plying their trade at other clubs on loan, and another group of ex-Blues academy stars who have departed.

This summer Marc Guehi and Lewis Bate have both left Stamford Bridge on a permanent basis, following in the footsteps of Tariq Lamptey last summer.

Such is the abundance of talent among the Chelsea youth ranks, Thomas Tuchel will once again have to send the vast majority of his prospects out on loan once again.

However, it appears that Chelsea may have missed out on the opportunity to add to the vast array of young talent that they boast.

Klopp will be left frustrated by the loss of an academy starlet.

Young midfielder Ethan Ellis, who had spent his youth career in Liverpool’s academy, has snubbed the opportunity to join the Blues and is instead on his way to Manchester United.

Posting on his personal social media account, Ellis wrote “I am delighted to announce that I have signed for Manchester United. Grateful for this opportunity, can’t wait to get started.”

The 16-year-old had impressed at Liverpool and, having rejected a new deal with the Reds, will be seen as a big loss having now joined the club’s biggest rivals.

It was previously reported that the youngster was holding talks with both Chelsea and Manchester United, however it appears he has now chosen the latter.

A development fee will now be owed by United which, if the two clubs cannot agree on, will be decided in a tribunal.

Ellis scored three times on Liverpool’s run to the FA Youth Cup final last season.