Chelsea snap up Charlton wonderkid Mason Burstow in late deadline day transfer but 18-year-old won’t join until summer
Chelsea have signed Charlton starlet Mason Burstow after a late transfer deadline deal.
The Blues made two offers for Burstow and reached a deal with the Addicks following a substantial bid.
The west Londoners beat Premier League foes Brentford in the race for the striker, who has registered a total of six goals and two assists in 14 matches this season.
Charlton boss Johnnie Jackson confirmed that the 18-year-old was left out of the League One side's squad for Monday's game against Portsmouth in order to hold talks with Chelsea.
Burstow has been loaned back to Charlton and will stay at The Valley until the end of the season before moving to Stamford Bridge.
Jackson said: "A bid has come in from a Premier League club for Mason, so we've allowed him to go and chat with them.
"So Mason was in the squad but things developed late – so he went off to have discussion. That was just a few hours before kick off.
"I believe that a deal is very close and that he will be coming back on loan to us.
BETTING SPECIAL - BEST FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS FOR THE AFCON
Most read in Football
"Great that the club and the chairman has got a deal he is happy with. But also we get the player back as well.
"That's important. If we had lost Mason then with [Jayden] Stockley being injured it does leave us light in that area of the pitch. Glad we could get him back.
"I talk about him a lot, especially recently. He's someone we love here and I'm really fond of him.
"I love his attitude and he is still so young. I'm really enjoying help him develop and giving him the opportunities he has had so far.
"Pleasing, if we do manage to get him back on loan, that I can continue to help that development. Hopefully send him to Chelsea an even better player than he is now."
⚽ Read our Transfer News Live blog for the very latest rumours, gossip and done deals
