Steven Gerrard 'opens talks with Chelsea' as Saudi side eye transfer raid

Steven Gerrard during a Saudi Pro League match. (Image: Getty.)

Steven Gerrard's Saudi Pro League club Al-Ettifaq have reportedly opened talks with Chelsea over a potential move for young midfielder Harvey Vale.

The Daily Mail claim that Gerrard personally holds a strong interest in the 20-year-old, having identified Vale as a key target before the transfer window closes.

There is a direct line of communication between the two clubs, who are close to reaching an agreement, but Vale is yet to decide whether he wants to follow his compatriot to the Middle East.

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Vale also has reported interest from the Championship and League One, but working so closely with an English football icon could also appeal to the youngster who has spent eight years at Chelsea.

He enjoyed a successful 2023/24 season on loan at Bristol Rovers before returning to Cobham, where he has a year left on his contract, though Chelsea do have the option to extend his deal for another year.

Vale made his senior debut for Chelsea in 2021 and went on to make three appearances under Thomas Tuchel, before captaining England to Under-19s Euros glory the following summer.

Harvey Vale before a Chelsea pre-season match against Boreham Wood. (Image: Getty)

Vale has been part of Enzo Maresca's 'bomb squad' training away from the first team, alongside the likes of Raheem Sterling and Ben Chilwell, but it remains to be seen whether a move to Saudi Arabia appeals to the versatile star.

He spent plenty of time at Bristol Rovers shining as a left wing-back, at a time when Chelsea lack options beyond Marc Cucurella, with Renato Veiga deputising in their Europa Conference League tie with Servette.

Gerrard has spotted Vale's talent and plans to bring him to Al Ettifaq, where he would be joined by the likes of captain Gini Wijnaldum, Demarai Gray, Moussa Dembele, Marek Rodak, Karl Toko Ekambi and Seko Fofana.

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Maresca has already confirmed that those not involved in Chelsea's opening few games of the season, such as Vale, are welcome to leave the club before Friday's Premier League deadline at 11pm. For Gerrard and his Saudi rivals, however, they can sign players up until October 6.

"We have a big squad and it is impossible to give them all minutes," Maresca said. "If they are looking for minutes, then it is better if they leave. If they do not leave, then they have a contract here and they are Chelsea players."

Steven Gerrard 'opens talks with Chelsea' as Saudi side eye transfer raid

Steven Gerrard 'opens talks with Chelsea' as Saudi side eye transfer raid

Steven Gerrard 'opens talks with Chelsea' as Saudi side eye transfer raid

Steven Gerrard 'opens talks with Chelsea' as Saudi side eye transfer raid

Steven Gerrard 'opens talks with Chelsea' as Saudi side eye transfer raid