Chelsea confirm first January 'signing' with possible Reece James replacement found

Chelsea have confirmed that talented young right-back Josh -Kofi Acheampong has signed a first professional contract with the club. The 17-year-old has been a standout in the Under-18s and Under-21s side this season having joined Cobham a decade ago.

Only last month Acheampong was in action with England Under-17s, playing every minutes of what ended up as a disappointing campaign. He is also now part of the Under-18 set up at youth level with the Three Lions.

Acheampong had been receiving interest from clubs across England as he looks to continue his rise but head of youth development and recruitment Jim Fraser is delighted to keep him onside. «We are thrilled that Josh has committed his future to the club,» he said.

«He has taken another step forward in his development this season, something reflected in his performances for club and country.» Acheampong has already been involved in first team training at points this season, evidence of his performance levels in the academy. He will now be targetting an even bigger breakthrough.

Mauricio Pochettino has been generous, at least when compared to other Chelsea manager, with his use of Cobham's best players in training throughout much of his first season at Stamford Bridge and has also turned to Alfie Gilchrist — now taking his first steps towards a full debut — as well as Leo Castledine and Kiano Dyer. Alex Matos, signed from Norwich over the summer and set for a loan move to Huddersfield, has also been a regular.

Right-back is certainly a position of interest for the head coach, though, with academy graduate, established first-team presence and club captain Reece James injured once more.The 24-year-old has been ruled out for at least three months and may well not be back to