According to the latest reports from the Express, Chelsea have now joined the race to sign Northern Ireland’s teenage sensation Charlie Allen. The Blues are going through a transfer ban, but they are thinking about the possibility of bringing in Allen on trial at Stamford Bridge. Rangers and Norwich City are also said to be trailing the player’s progress of late.
The attacking midfielder has already had a trial with Rangers in February this year where he played for their u-17 side in Alkass International Cup in Qatar which the Gers incidentally won. The race for the signature of the 15-year-old is heating up as Southampton, Manchester City and Tottenham are said to be interested in him.
The 15-year-old has already broken into the senior team of Linfield. The attacker was even selected in the 25 man squad for the Champions League qualifier against Rosenborg. Allen missed out on making it to the matchday squad, but he has already made inroads in the senior team.
English clubs like Manchester City and Tottenham have had him on trial before. Linfield chairman Roy McGivern had earlier indicated that Allen could go across the south of the border and take his pick of clubs as host of Premier League teams are chasing his signature.
Amid all this, one might feel that Rangers could be way behind in the race to land him in the future. However, the Scottish Premiership giants might allow the youngster to get first-team chances much sooner. At Manchester City or Tottenham (or any other heavyweight clubs), he might have to slog it out for few more years before he gets in contention for first-team places.
Even at Rangers, Allen will have to bide his time with the youth side before he gets first-team chances. But, we expect him to get drafted to the senior team a bit sooner if he can catch the eye. The 15-year-old likes to play in central positions in attacking areas so he can play as a striker or as an attacking midfielder. The youngster is yet to sign a professional contract as he is only 15 and he will turn 16 in November soon.
What now for Gerrard?
With Chelsea now entering the race, the signs might look worrying for others, including the Gers. The Blues have shown this season that they are willing to give youngsters their due as players like Tammy Abraham, Mason Mount and Fikayo Tomori have emerged at the biggest stage. Rangers might have to move in soon if they want to get him as the player will be turning 16 soon.
