Chelsea are close to signing United States and New York Red Bulls defender, Matt Miazga, according to reports by ESPN.
The 20-year-old is highly-rated in the United States and enjoyed a breakout campaign under Jesse Marsch with the Red Bulls last season. His quick rise through the ranks in New York helped him earn a first cap for the national side last November against St. Vincent and the Grenadines.
Blues eyeing talented youngster
Miazga was involved in a training camp with the US national team ahead of two friendlies on January 31 and February 5, but ESPN FC reports that the youngster is believed to have already left the country in order to finalise his switch to the reigning Premier League champions.
The Red Bulls' academy product has impressed at all levels for the United States, including a solid showing during the U20 World Cup last year, despite his side's exit at the Quarter-Final stage. He is on the verge of earning more caps for his country and if the 20-year-old succeeds with the English giants, he could find himself as a mainstay in the national team.
The emerging star is also expected to be a part of the US Olympic squad this summer, if the U23 side manage to win their play-off against Colombia.
The defender is out-of-contract next year and the Red Bulls' reluctance to sell now stems from the fear of losing him on a free transfer after his current deal runs out. Miazga possesses a Polish passport, which means he will not need a work permit to complete his move to Chelsea.
Miazga is expected to remain with the first-team after making the move official, due to the lack of depth at centre-back. The switch is a giant step for Miazga, Major League Soccer and the United States as a whole as he becomes one of a select few to move overseas after developing in an academy in the US.