Sources: Wigan Athletic lead race to sign Chelsea sensation Reggie Walsh

Wigan Athletic are leading the race to sign Chelsea sensation Reggie Walsh on loan for the season, sources have told Football Insider.

The 17-year-old is extremely highly regarded at Stamford Bridge, where they have high hopes for his development, and has made four senior appearances, including one in the Champions League.

A number of clubs in the Championship and League One are believed to have made contact with Chelsea and are now queuing up to convince him to make a loan switch.

However, Wigan have emerged as favourites to land Walsh's signature and hope to steal a march on their rivals to get a deal over the line in the coming days.

The England Under-19 international is able to play in multiple positions across the midfield, and Gary Caldwell is pushing to bring him to the Brick Community Stadium.

Walsh has two years remaining on his current contract at Chelsea, but the club have high hopes for his development and will assess his future if he impresses on loan.

Why do Wigan Athletic want to sign Reggie Walsh?

Wigan have been aiming to bolster their midfield options this summer, after some significant departures including that of Harrison Bettoni, who joined Chelsea earlier this summer.

Walsh has emerged as a leading contender as they aim to strengthen in his position, and work is ongoing behind the scenes to lure him to Wigan.

The Chelsea midfielder is highly regarded by a number of rival clubs, who are looking to give him his first shot at regular first-team football away from Chelsea.

While he is not part of Xabi Alonso's first-team plans for the upcoming season, there is a feeling he could break into those plans if he enjoys a successful loan spell.

Wigan are prepared to give him the platform to develop his game with regular first-team minutes in League One, while he is seen as an upgrade on their current options.

Walsh, meanwhile, is keen to prove himself in senior football, and a move to League One with Wigan is seen as the ideal switch for all parties involved.

Which other Chelsea stars are likely to leave on loan?

Walsh is not the only academy star eyeing a move away from Chelsea this summer, with the Blues keen for their brightest young players to play regular senior football.

Jesse Derry and Harrison Murray-Campbell are among those to have already secured moves away, while other academy gems being tipped to spend the season on loan.

Football Insider exclusively revealed on 30 July that Chelsea defender Genesis Antwi is in advanced talks to join sister club Strasbourg on loan.

The 19-year-old is in line to spend the season with the Ligue 1 club, with Chelsea keen for him to continue his development with regular game time at the top level.

Sources say a full agreement is close with a breakthrough in negotiations expected imminently, with talks ongoing behind the scenes.