Chelsea rival Tottenham over £30m transfer for 'fantastic' player loved by Thomas Frank

Brentford are not said to be encouraging transfer interest in the player but Chelsea and Spurs are two clubs scouting out a potential deal.

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Chelsea are reported to have joined Premier League rivals Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United in the transfer race for highly rated Brentford midfielder Yegor Yarmolyuk.

The 21-year-old already has 65 top flight appearances to his name and continues to go from strength to strength at the Gtech Community Stadium. The defensive midfielder has started every match so far this season for Brentford as his importance continues to grow.

Yarmolyuk was particularly impressive in the 3-1 win over Manchester United last month, picking up an assist for the Bees. That performance came amid reports of Red Devils interest in his service.

Chelsea enter Tottenham Hotspur and Manchester United transfer race

In a fresh update TEAMtalk reaffirm interest from Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur, also naming Chelsea as a potential suitor. The Blues have a ‘world class’ defensive midfielder in Moises Caicedo but the club is known for its high turnover of players and Yarmolyuk could be a shrewd investment with his best years ahead.

Spurs had been linked with a transfer move for Yarmolyuk this summer after Thomas Frank arrived in north London. The former Brentford man was looking for more bite in midfield but eventually turned to bring in Bayern Munich man Joao Palhinha on loan.

It is expected that Palhinha’s stay at Tottenham Hotspur is extended next year after his bright start but that might not stop further investment in the centre of the park. The report claims that while Brentford are not actively looking to sell, a bid of around £30 million for the Ukrainian could see a transfer given the green light.

The midfielder only signed a new contract with Brentford this summer, committing his future to the club until 2031 with the London outfit holding the option of another 12 months. That puts Brentford in a strong negotiating position.

Thomas Frank on ‘fantastic’ Yarmolyuk

Speaking at the time the contract was announced, Frank said: “I’m so pleased. It’s another big success story for the B team. Neil MacFarlane and his team did a great job to get him ready for the first team.

“Now, he’s been in our first-team squad for two seasons where he’s had a good, natural development. Last year, he got minutes in more or less all the games; this year, he’s added another level. The good thing with Yehor is that he’s one of the best trainers. He trains hard and with good intensity - that’s the best way to get into the team.”

Frank has also praised Yarmolyuk’s ‘fantastic mindset’ in the past. The player himself reflected: “I am very happy to sign a new contract with the first team. It just gives me more energy to work even harder.

“I’ve really enjoyed the season, starting in the Premier League and making my senior Ukraine debut. I’m so proud of myself and just want to keep going. You always need to have something to improve. I want to improve everything in my game to take myself and the team to the next level.

“It’s very important for me [length of the deal]. I am so grateful to the club for this, and it gives me more confidence and enjoyment in playing football.”

In other news, Chelsea injuries and possible return dates as 4 players set to return after international break.