Exclusive: Clubs plotting move for Chelsea midfielder amid Huddersfield Town spell | OneFootball

Leo Castledine is a man in demand

More than half a dozen Championship clubs are keeping a close eye on Leo Castledine as the Chelsea midfielder continues his loan spell at Huddersfield Town, sources have exclusively informed Football League World.

While the expectation remains that Castledine will see out the season in West Yorkshire, interest is already beginning to build ahead of the summer window.

Castledine, 20, arrived at Huddersfield looking for regular senior football and he has shone under the tutelage of Lee Grant at the Accu Stadium.

Leo Castledine in fine form at Huddersfield Town

Used primarily as a central attacking midfielder but also trusted in a right midfield role, he has featured in 19 League One matches so far this season, contributing seven goals and one assist.

Football League World understands that recruitment staff from a number of Championship clubs have been frequent visitors to Huddersfield Town matches in recent weeks, with at least six second tier clubs monitoring Castledine’s progress.

Despite that growing interest in the Kingston upon Thames-born 20-year-old, Chelsea remain highly invested in Castledine’s development.

Leo Castledine is liked at Chelsea

FLW understands the midfielder is well regarded at Cobham with many inside Stamford Bridge viewing him as a player with vast potential.

The current plan is for him to complete the campaign with Huddersfield, using the final months of the season to further develop and mature as a footballer before his return to Stamford Bridge.

Any decision on his future is unlikely to be rushed. Chelsea are expected to assess their midfield options in pre-season before determining whether Castledine is ready to challenge for a squad role, head out on another loan, or listen to offers.

Those close to the situation stress that the club still “really like” the player and see his loan spell at the Terriers as a success, regardless of what comes next.

Huddersfield Town's hopes of landing a permanent deal for Castledine now appear slim - Lee Grant and owner Kevin Nagle will know that promotion to the Championship would give them the best chance of securing a potential permanent deal for the Chelsea man.

The Terriers sit in the play-off spots in League One, at the time of writing, with Grant's side winning their last three league matches ahead of their trip to high-flyers Lincoln City at Sincil Bank.