Royals In For Chelsea Youngster?

Another day, another rumour. This time it's not a striker, but a highly-rated midfielder.

"Nathaniel Chalobah in demand as Watford, Reading and Ipswich enter loan chase for Chelsea defender," screams the headline in the Daily Mail, who go on to report:

Chelsea defender Nathaniel Chalobah is wanted by Watford, Reading and Ipswich.

The 20-year-old was blocked from making a loan move to Bordeaux due to the three club rule after playing for Chelsea's U21 side and Burnley but he can join a Championship side on an emergency loan.

Chalobah only made four appearances for Burnley while on loan and appeared for Chelsea's U21 side but they were deemed competitive games.

Watford had Chalobah on loan in 2012 and are keen to give him a run of games as they bid to go up to the Premier League.

Ipswich are better placed as they lie second in the Championship while Reading have a lot more ground to make up as Steve Clarke looks to ensure they move clear of the relegation zone first.

Chalobah has undoubted pedigree that would be welcome in a Reading squad that has at times lacked the requisite quality, but is another central midfielder really what Steve Clarke needs? It might be worth bearing in mind that he has been known to play at centre back, which may come in handy given the dearth of experienced personnel in that position.

Only time will tell, but it's crucial to keep in mind this is the Daily Mail...