Chelsea building weekly scouting reports on Newcastle star as transfer plans emerge
Chelsea are continuing to search for the next generation of midfield talent, and another highly rated English youngster has now emerged on their radar.
Lewis Miley is the latest name being monitored by the Blues, with the Newcastle United midfielder attracting attention as Xabi Alonso's recruitment team look towards future transfer windows.
Chelsea are not short of young midfielders, but their interest in the 20-year-old suggests they are still determined to strengthen their options with some of the most promising talents in English football.
And this is not simply a case of adding another name to a shortlist. Chelsea are reportedly keeping a particularly close eye on his development.
Chelsea compiling regular reports on Lewis Miley
According to Chelsea journalist Simon Phillips, via Football365, Chelsea are scouting Miley this season and compiling weekly reports on his progress.
Phillips has revealed that the Newcastle midfielder is one of four young players being monitored by the club.
Miley is joined on that list by Everton's Harrison Armstrong, Fulham's Josh King and Arsenal's Myles Lewis-Skelly. Phillips described the four players as names Chelsea are watching regularly, although there is no suggestion that the Blues are preparing an immediate offer for any of them.
Miley is an especially interesting option given his experience at Newcastle despite still being just 20.
The England Under-21 international has already made 89 appearances for the Magpies in all competitions, scoring six goals and providing eight assists. He is also capable of playing in defensive midfield and at right-back; a hugely versatile young player.
Newcastle have developed him through their academy, and he has already established himself as a first-team option. Chelsea will therefore know they are monitoring a player with considerable potential rather than an unproven academy prospect.
Chelsea's midfield recruitment plans extend beyond Alex Scott
These latest reports provide an interesting insight into Chelsea's upcoming recruitment strategy.
Bournemouth's Scott is currently their number one midfield target for January, with the Blues reportedly hoping to agree a deal with the Cherries before the window opens. However, Miley's inclusion on their shortlist shows the club are also looking beyond that.
Alonso needs options who can offer different qualities, while the club's recruitment policy continues to place considerable emphasis on young players with room to develop, although more recent signings, such as Jordan Henderson, proves there is more focus on bringing in experience.
Miley signed a new six-year contract in May, keeping him at St James' Park until 2032, so any future deal will be complicated, and potentially quite expensive.
There is no indication that Chelsea have made a formal approach to Newcastle or that a transfer is imminent. For now, this is a case of continued scouting rather than an advanced negotiation.
