Transfer: Chelsea agree deal for Samuels-Smith

Chelsea have reached an agreement to loan out defender Ishe Samuels-Smith to League One club Notts County for the upcoming season, according to a report by football.london. The 20-year-old academy product, who joined Chelsea from Everton in 2023, is seeking regular first-team opportunities after making only six appearances on loan at Championship side Swansea City last season, which was marred by injuries.

Samuels-Smith has recently recovered from quadriceps surgery. Initially, it was planned for him to join Xabi Alonso's first-team training group prior to their pre-season tour, but he was unable to recover in time. Meanwhile, young playmaker Omari Kellyman is considering his options ahead of a potential loan move. The 20-year-old, who was added to the squad as a last-minute replacement due to injuries, has several potential suitors and is said to prefer a move abroad. However, a decision is expected to be made before the transfer deadline next month.