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Chelsea midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah is in talks with Watford about a permanent switch to Vicarage Road.

England under-21 starlet Chalobah, 22, has held talks with Chelsea boss Antonio Conte who rates him highly but was not able to give him any assurances about first team opportunities.

Chalobah , who has one year left on his current Chelsea deal, is desperate to play regularly and therefore Watford appeals, especially as he has already impressed on a loan spell there.

Mirror Sport revealed last week that England boss Gareth Southgate rates Chalobah highly and was impressed with him at the Euro u-21s and believes he could make the step up into the seniors with regular games.

(Image: PA Wire) (Image: Charlie Crowhurst)

Watford are now discussing a permanent switch, have yet to agree a fee but Chelsea are likely to want around £5m plus significant add-ons.

Chalobah has made it clear that it is not about money but just playing time and with Monaco’s Tiemoué Bakayoko coming in his chances will be even more limited.

It would be a major coup for Watford as new boss Marco Silva gets busy. They are also in for Fulham defender Ryan Fredericks.

(Image: Rex)

Meanwhile, Chelsea midfielder Ruben Loftus-Cheek is believed to be having talks about a loan move to another Premier League club.

Newcastle are long term admirers with Chelsea likely to be ready to loan him out on a season-long agreement.

Meanwhile, Chelsea have now agreed a £36m deal for Roma defender Antonio Rudiger with the player now set to join up on their pre-season trip, having been granted an extended break after the Confederations Cup.