Chelsea's will continue to be linked with a move for Derby County youngster Max Bird moving forward, according to Richard Cusack from the Derby Telegraph. 

The 19-year-old has featured 16 times for the Rams so far this season – by far his largest involvement with the senior side in a single campaign in his career so far.

The midfielder is one of a number of young players that Derby boss Phillip Cocu has integrated into his first-team squad this season and certainly looks a bright prospect.

Good on the ball, industrious in his defensive work and with excellent composure for a young player, Bird looks like someone that could have a really exciting future in the game.

Whether or not that will be at Pride Park remains the key question. Football Insider reported yesterday that Chelsea are plotting a summer move for the teenager, with current boss Frank Lampard having been hugely impressed with him during his time in charge of the East Midlands club.

A fresh update has emerged on the situation, with Cusack from the Derby Telegraph predicting that the Blues interest in the midfielder will continue moving forward.

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The Verdict

There are a number of exciting prospects coming through at Derby at the moment, with Jayden Bogle, Jason Knight, and Louie Sibley a few of the other names on that list.

Chelsea's interest in Bird is understandable given Lampard's spell at the club and it seems that links of a move to Stamford Bridge are not going to go away.

It will be interesting to see if the Premier League club take any action this summer.