Sources: Chelsea's chances of re-signing Ethan Ampadu from Leeds revealed
Chelsea are unlikely to agree a deal to re-sign Ethan Ampadu from Leeds United in the near future, sources have told Football Insider.
Whispers in recent days have suggested the Blues could look to bring the 26-year-old back to Stamford Bridge, with fans now buying into the speculation on social media.
The Wales international has been outstanding for Leeds United since his permanent move in 2023, and has attracted a number of potential suitors as a result.
However, as I revealed on the latest edition of Football Insider's Transfer Insider podcast, Chelsea are not planning to move for Ampadu and any speculation is just wishful thinking.
The midfielder recently put pen to paper on a new contract at Elland Road to extend his stay until 2030, and there is no interest in a move away from Leeds as things stand.
Chelsea, meanwhile, are likely to assess other midfield targets in January as they line up a long-term replacement for Enzo Fernandez following his move to Man City.
How do Leeds feel about losing Ethan Ampadu?
Former Everton CEO Keith Wyness told Football Insider in June that Leeds believe they are capable of challenging for Europe, with Ampadu at the heart of their success.
Tying the midfielder down to a new contract was seen as a huge step forward for Leeds, where he has become a crucial player and a fans' favourite at Elland Road.
Speculation about a potential return to Chelsea is a testament to how well he has done since his move away, but the speculation has now been squashed.
Speaking on the Transfer Insider podcast, I explained: "It's probably wishful thinking from the Chelsea side of things that they could bring Ethan Ampadu back to the club.
"They've seen how well he's done for Leeds, whether that's in defence or in central midfield where he is playing now, and have been impressed.
"He's club captain, he's one of the first names on the team sheet for Daniel Farke and he's become a big fan's favourite at Elland Road as well.
"I don't think either the player would seek a move away right now or even the club would consider letting him go either.
"So yeah, I don't think there's anything is in that speculation that maybe Chelsea could bring Ethan Ampadu back any time soon."
Which other midfielders are on Chelsea's list?
Suggestions that Chelsea could make a move for Ampadu have come as a result of their search for a new central midfielder ahead of the January transfer window.
After losing Fernandez to Man City in the summer, Xabi Alonso's side failed to bring in a replacement before the deadline, and are now assesssing a number of options.
Chelsea had agreed a deal to sign Monaco star Lamine Camara on deadline day, before the French club pulled the plug late on and left them without a replacement.
The Blues were believed to be extremely unhappy with Monaco's options, but Football Insider revealed on 14 September that they could still reignite their interest in Camara.
The midfielder is still very highly regarded at Stamford Bridge, and while the clubs would need to resolve their differences first, a January move could be on the cards.