Solanke would be prepared to accept half the £50,000-a-week salary that he sought towards the end of last season

Chelsea are close to agreeing a new contract with Dominic Solanke after the England Under-21 striker lowered his wage demands.

The 19-year-old had asked for £50,000 a week when talks over a new deal began towards the end of last season, but when negotiations resumed this month his representatives indicated that he would now be willing to accept half that amount. This would still represent a huge increase on his present £7,000 a week.

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Solanke has not played for Chelsea this season and was denied the opportunity to go out on loan during the summer transfer window as a result of the contract stand-off. Having spent last season on loan at Dutch club Vitesse Arnhem, where he scored seven goals in 26 appearances, his lack