Chelsea youngster Taylor-Crossdale snubs new contract to join Hoffenheim
The England youth striker does not see a pathway to Chelsea's first-team and will look to take his career to the next level in Germany
CHELSEA starlet Martell Taylor-Crossdale is close to joining Hoffenheim, according to reports.
Sky Sports say the 19-year-old striker will head over to Germany later this week for a medical and complete the formalities on a permanent move to the Bundesliga.
The Premier League side wanted to extend his stay at Stamford Bridge.
However, the teenager has snubbed the offer and will continue his development in Germany on a free transfer.
Taylor-Crossdale, from East London, was top scorer in the U18 Premier League in 2017 and has scored goals for England from U16 through to U20 level.
He was also a member of the England U18 team that lifted the Toulon Tournament trophy in 2017.
It is also reported Hoffenheim – who loaned Reiss Nelson from Arsenal this season – are also in the mix to land another unnamed English youngster before the end of the month.
The teen becomes the latest kid to quit England to try their luck on the continent.
Jadon Sancho left Manchester City to join Borussia Dortmund in August 2017.
And the winger has become one of the most sought after talents in Europe and has forced his way into the England senior squad.
And Bayern Munich are still keen to land Callum Hudson-Odoi.
The Bundesliga champions tabled three bids for the Blues forward and are tracking his recovery from a long-term Achilles injury.
Teenage forward Reo Griffiths quit Spurs to join Ligue 1 outfit Lyon last year after rejecting a deal at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium.
