With first team chances limited for youngsters at Chelsea due to their ability to attract ready made world class stars to the club, those coming through the ranks of The Blues often have to look away from the club to continue their progression.

Chelsea understand that their young stars need exposure to first team football, and their partnership with Dutch top flight side, Vitesse Arnhem, has seen a number of players head across the Channel to hone their skills in Holland.

Many players spend a year or two in the Dutch league, which is an excellent place to perfect their trade.

The Eredivisie shares many similarities with English football, and the tough nature of the league is a baptism of fire for England’s young guns.

Leeds United are two games away from a play off run, or another season in the Championship.

Whatever happens in the coming weeks, Garry Monk needs to improve his squad during the offseason. Chelsea’s academy may provide bountiful pickings for the former Swansea boss.

Here we look at TWO players who have both spent their youth careers with the Stamford Bridge club, and Leeds should target this summer.

Dominic Solanke

19-year-old Solanke is a diamond in the rough, and has the ability to establish himself as a Premier League starter. Jose Mourinho saw talent in the youngster whilst manager at Stamford Bridge, and claimed he would be to blame if Solanke did not become an England international under his management.

Solanke spent a year in Holland with Vitesse last season, and scored 7 goals for the side in 25 appearances. Claims were made, and later retracted, that contract talks between Solanke and Chelsea has broken down after the player demanded £50,000 a week to remain at The Bridge, and Antonio Conte has admitted it looks unlikely the player will be offered a new deal.

At 19 years of age, Solanke need game time, and at Leeds United he could begin to achieve his potential. Fellow academy graduate, Tammy Abraham, has been a revelation for Bristol City in the Championship this season, and Solanke should look to his colleague for inspiration.

Abraham has gone from unknown youngster to future star in the course of a season, and Solanke has the potential to do the same.

Leeds could be the destination for Solanke to develop and score goals, and The Whites and Solanke should certainly be in touch with each other over the summer to thrash out a deal.

Lewis Baker

Midfielder Baker joined Chelsea from Luton Town’s academy in 2005, and has spent the last two campaigns on loan with Vitesse. 14 goals in 62 appearances in Holland has seen the player enjoy his spell on the continent, and will return to England next season ready to play.

Baker signed a 5 year deal with Chelsea in 2019, and is held in high regard by Stamford Bridge staff. 22 this week, Baker is entering the stage of his career where first team football is essential.

Such opportunities may be limited with The Blues, so a season on loan in England’s second tier may be a chance for Baker to prove to Chelsea chiefs that he is ready for the big time.

Garry Monk should be eyeing up a move for the player, and should consider sending a Leeds United representative to one of Vitesse’s remaining fixtures to keep tabs on the youngster.

Baker will be in high demand over the summer on the loan market, and Monk will have to move fast to get a deal for the midfielder over the line.

Adding a player of Baker’s creative and goal scoring ability to his midfield would dramatically improve the United side, and if Leeds fail to achieve their goal of Premier League promotion this year, fans could look forward to a more effective top flight push next time out.