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Chelsea wonderkid Bate close to joining Leeds after rejecting new Blues contract

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

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

The 18-year-old is widely regarded 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.