- Chelsea awaiting contract decision from young defender Josh Acheampong
- Real Madrid among sides tracking 18-year-old
- Reports claim Chelsea have issued tough ultimatum
Chelsea are reported to have warned young defender Josh Acheampong that he will not play another minute for either the senior or academy sides unless he signs a new contract.
The highly rated 18-year-old inked a two-year extension this summer and made his first appearance under new manager Enzo Maresca during the Carabao Cup victory over Barrow but, to the confusion of many fans, has not been seen since at any level.
Reports of interest from Real Madrid began to surface earlier this month, while the likes of Liverpool, Newcastle United and Tottenham Hotspur have all been named as suitors for Acheampong, who is a natural right-back but is equally comfortable in a central role.
Clearly feeling the pressure to secure Acheampong's long-term future, The Athletic state the teenager's absence is down to an ultimatum issued to him over his contract.
It is claimed that Chelsea officials have banned managers from selecting Acheampong at any level until he signs a new deal, with the Blues still believed to be optimistic about an agreement being reached.
The Telegraph go as far as to state that Chelsea were left stunned by Acheampong's decision to reject their offer of a new contract, despite club chiefs believing an extension had already been wrapped up.
Just 24 hours before the news of Acheampong's ultimatum was made public, the teenager featured in an emotional interview on Chelsea's website, in which he stressed his connection to the club and expressed his delight at being able to mix senior minutes with an academy role.
