Sources: Chelsea's Ishe Samuels-Smith in advanced talks to join Notts County
Chelsea defender Ishe Samuels-Smith is in advanced talks over a loan move to Notts County, sources have told Football Insider.
The 20-year-old will be allowed to leave Stamford Bridge for the coming season, and a number of clubs across the EFL had been placed on alert by his availability.
Notts County have now moved to the front of the race for his signature, and are closing in on a full agreement with Chelsea and the player to complete the move.
The newly-promoted League One outfit are aimnig to strengthen their squad in a bid to stay in the division, and view Samuels-Smith as an upgrade on their current options.
Capable of playing at left-back or left-wing-back, Chelsea have been keen for him to play more regular senior football after a difficult spell at Swansea last time out.
After only playing six games in the Championship last season, there is a feeling that a step down to League One with Notts County could be the perfect move for his development.
Why are Notts County pushing to sign Ishe Samuels-Smith?
Samuels-Smith's availability on loan placed a number of clubs on alert across the EFL, with sides in League One very keen to lure him away from Stamford Bridge.
Notts County are now poised to beat their divisional rivals to his signature in what will be seen as a major coup to land the defender on a season-long loan deal.
Martin Paterson is determined to strengthen his side following last season's promotion campaign, and has identified a number of players in key positions.
Their efforts to sign a new left-back had previously seen them look at Southend United star Harry Boyes, but they were beaten to his signature by York City.
Samuels-Smith is seen as a good fit for the boss' system, given his ability to play as a wing-back, while there is a lack of natural depth in his position.
The Chelsea youngster is still highly regarded at Stamford Bridge, with the Blues keen for him to gain first-team experience following his spell at Swansea last season.
Which other Chelsea youngsters could leave on loan?
Samuels-Smith has become the latest of a number of Chelsea youngsters who are making loan moves away from Stamford Bridge in the summer transfer window.
The likes of Jesse Derry, Genesis Antwi, Harrison Murray-Campbell and Max Marrick have already been allowed to pursue moves to clubs aross Europe and in the EFL.
Meanwhile, Football Insider exclusively revealed on 2 August that Reggie Walsh will be allowed to leave Chelsea on loan, with Wigan Athletic leading the race.
The 17-year-old is extremely highly regarded at Stamford Bridge, where they have high hopes for his development, and they are keen for him to gain first-team experience.
He has already made four competitive senior appearances for the Blues, including one in the Champions League, and has impressed Xabi Alonso in pre-season.