Lewis Bate is close to joining Leeds United from Chelsea after rejecting a contract offer to remain at Stamford Bridge.

The 18-year-old is a highly-regarded member of the club’s academy but is set to move on as he seeks first-team opportunities, according to Goal.

Bate is apparently closing in on a move to Leeds United with a medical potentially scheduled for Wednesday.

He is reckoned as the most talented midfielder from his age group to emerge from the club’s academy set-up last season.

Liverpool, West Ham and Southampton are other clubs that were interested in the midfielder, but he has opted to join Marcelo Bielsa’s side as he goes in search of more regular first-team opportunities.