Chelsea Join Premier League Rivals In Race For League One Star

Chelsea have joined several Premier League sides in showing interest in MK Dons star Harry Darling.

The 22-year-old has had a fine season in League One as the Dons fell to defeat in the play-off semi-final.

Brighton and Hove Albion, Norwich City and Chelsea are all said to be interested in the central defender, as reported by Football League World.

Darling is a ball playing defender, coming through the Cambridge United academy in 2016.

The defender moved to MK Dons in January of 2021 and has since made 64 appearances in the league, netting seven goals.

It is unclear as to whether Chelsea have a chance to bring in the defender as he is said to prioritise first team football, something which Thomas Tuchel’s side may be reluctant to offer a current League One player as they prepare to challenge at the top of the Premier League.

Milton Keynes Dons' Harry Darling applauds the fans following during the Sky Bet League One match against Rotherham. (Alamy)

However, he could be signed and sent out on loan to a Championship or Premier League side to gain experience.

The report continues to state that a transfer to Norwich looks the most likely, following their relegation to England’s second division but that he could also be attracted to Brighton, due to their reputation for developing English talent.

Graham Potter’s side sold Ben White last summer for £50 million to Arsenal before shipping Dan Burn to Newcastle the following January.

The Blues are in need of central defenders this summer, but will most likely opt for ready-made replacements for the departing Antonio Rudiger and Andreas Christensen rather than take a gamble on Darling for the first team.

Levi Colwill and Ethan Ampadu are also both set to return for pre-season training under Tuchel this summer in a bid to earn their way into his first team plans following loan spells with Huddersfield Town and Venezia respectively.

Milton Keynes Dons' Harry Darling celebrates scoring their side's first goal of the game during the Sky Bet League One match against Rotherham. (Alamy)

Jules Kounde looks the most likely to come through the door this summer, with Chelsea having already made a formal offer for the Sevilla star.

As well as the Frenchman, Chelsea are believed to have made an enquiry for Inter Milan centre-back Milan Skriniar, but both clubs are ‘some distance apart’ in their respective valuations for the 27-year-old while Leicester City’s Wesley Fofana is also believed to be a target for the Blues.

With eyes on some of the top central defenders in Europe, Chelsea look unable to offer Darling any sort of first team football and this could see them fall short in a bid for the 22-year-old.