There are sound reasons why Chelsea have signed Christian Pulisic, who wanted to leave Borussia Dortmund after losing his place to Jadon Sancho who, in turn, left Manchester City because he did not believe he would play. And why Callum Hudson-Odoi is stalling on a new contract and is even more interested in a move away from Chelsea to Bayern Munich now that Pulisic is joining.

It is a rich game of musical chairs that could leave Chelsea more than £20 million down on fees as Hudson-Odoi would not command the £58m that Pulisic could cost. It is not quite that straightforward when amortisation of contracts is taken into account, but - whatever the finances - it just does not look right.

If Hudson-Odoi quits Chelsea it will feel that the club has failed, yet again, in its avowed intent to bring through young talent from its academy. The 18 year-old has made seven appearances this season - exactly the same as another 18 year-old, Oliver Skipp, at Tottenham Hotspur who are rightly lauded for the way they give opportunities to young players.

Crucially, though, Hudson-Odoi has featured in just one Premier League match, coming on as a substitute against Watford (he was then unfortunately substituted himself due to injury). Skipp, meanwhile, has been involved in five, including one start, against Burnley.