Chelsea have confirmed that the talented central defender Ethan Ampadu has penned a professional contract with the club, shortly after he celebrated his 17th birthday.

A product of Exeter City youth academy, Ampadu joined Chelsea in July 2017, and has been rewarded with a new deal after starring for the Blues youth teams.

The youngster is in line to make his professional debut for the Premier League champions when they tackle Nottingham Forest in the League Cup on Wednesday night.

Manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that the Wales youth-teamer will definitely be included in his 18-man squad for the clash against The Reds at Stamford Bridge.

''Ampadu is a young player but he has good quality and the prospect to become a Chelsea player,’ said Conte to Chelsea's official website.

''He’s strong physically, good technically and he has a good personality so we have to continue to work with him to try to improve him and bring him to the next step.''

Ethan Ampadu is eligible to represent the senior national teams of Ghana, England, Ireland and Wales, but the Welsh are in pole position to secure his services having trained with their senior team.

Igho Kingsley

Photo Credit : chelseafc.com