CHELSEA are lining up a January exit for on-loan attacking midfielder Leo Casteldine.
Watford are among a number of Championship clubs weighing up a winter swoop for Casteldine, 21, after his impressive spell at League One Huddersfield Town.
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Watford and a number of Championship rivals want to snap up Leo Castledine for keepsCredit: Getty
Leo Castledine in action for HuddersfieldCredit: Shutterstock
Under the terms of the season-long deal with the Terriers, Chelsea have the right to recall Castledine in the first two weeks of January.
And the Blues are keen to arrange a permanent transfer before the end of the month, with an asking price of around £1m.
Castledine has scored 10 goals and provided two assists in 27 league games for Huddersfield, playing as an attacking midfielder and winger.
He is a product of the Chelsea Academy, having initially joined the club as a six-year-old.
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Castledine had seven years in the junior ranks of AFC Wimbledon before rejoining the Blues in 2020.
He turned pro in August 2022 and made his only senior appearance as a substitute in Chelsea’s 6-1 win over Middlesbrough in the Carabao Cup semi final second leg in January 2024.
Castledine is the son of former Wimbledon player Stewart Castledine and TV presenter Lucy Alexander.
Older sister Kitty is an actor who plays Penny Branning in EastEnders.
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Watford are currently sixth in the Championship as they eye up a return to the Premier League.
They are in the final play-off spot, but are only five points behind Middlesbrough in second – having played a game less.
The Hornets currently boast an unbeaten seven game run in the second tier, including four wins on the trot with the latest one a thumping 3-0 win over Birmingham City.
Next up is the FA Cup as they dream of putting together a memorable run in the competition alongside their hopes of the Premier League.
It’s a trip to league rivals Bristol City in round three.
