Chelsea are preparing for a youth revolution under Frank Lampard.
England under-21 midfielder Kasey Palmer has become the latest academy graduate to decide to stay at Stamford Bridge this season in the hope of getting a proper chance under the new boss with Chelsea unable to sign any players in next two windows.
Palmer, 22, spent last season on loan at Bristol City who were keen to get him again.
But he elected to remain at the club and now the likes of he, Ethan Ampadu, Mason Mount, Andreas Christensen and Callum Hudson-Odoi can expect to get more game time.
Chelsea boss Lampard said on Thursday: “The academy have been doing great work for years here so it would a miss for me to come in and say I am not going to look at that. It is something I am going to look at.
"It is important for us.
“Personally, I think the motivation should always be there, but I understand that if a door can seem locked for a long time then it can affect young players.
“I have spoken about it and I will make it very clear going in that the door is open if you prove that you are good enough.
“My eyes will always be open to the young players but they have to show they are good enough, because we can't lower our levels. I am not going to be doing young boys favours and putting them in.”
Lampard is bringing Jody Morris and Chris Jones from Derby as well as promoting Eddie Newton back to first team duties at Chelsea and using under-23s coach Joe Edwards in his new set-up.
