Brighton seal deadline deal for talented young Chelsea defender

The 20-year-old centre-half will join Albion’s under-23 squad and be part of the Premier League 2 squad under interim coaches Shannon Ruth and Andrew Crofts.

Head of academy John Morling said, “We wanted to bring an extra option at the centre of defence, and we are delighted Jack has agreed to join until the end of the season.

“He will give us that additional competition in that area of the pitch, and over the coming months we can work with Jack and get to know him.”

Wakeley, who comes from High Wycombe, joined Chelsea at under-9 level and has been a regular for their under-23s in recent seasons.

He signed his first professional contract at Stamford Bridge in 2017, and agreed a contract extension last summer until the end of current season.

He has a spell on loan with Southern League Basingstoke Town in 2018/19 season, for whom he made 15 appearances.

This season Wakely has featured for Chelsea’s under-23s in Premier League 2 and played against Albion in September.