Canadian teen prodigy hands in transfer request amid Chelsea interest

Chelsea target Ballou Jean-Yves Tabla has told his club Montreal Impact he wants to leave, according to ESPN FC.

Sources close to the player told the website that Tabla has become frustrated with the MLS side after they refused an offer from an unnamed European club. Chelsea are believed to be one of the teams looking at the 18 year old but it is not clear whether the Blues were the ones who placed the bid.

Tabla is said to be upset at Montreal Impact’s stance which he believes will limit his chances of developing his game by moving to Europe. The Canadian made his senior debut back in April, and has gone on to make 19 appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals.

He generally plays as a winger, playing off the right hand side of midfield. He was born in the Ivory Coast but was brought up in Canada and has already featured for the national side at Under 20 level.