Chelsea are ‘looking at the English youngster’ who left Rooney’s Derby for European minnows

CHELSEA have been linked with England defender Archie Brown from Genk, while Premier League rivals plus Juventus and AC Milan are also floating.

The 21-year-old Brummie has rebuilt his career on the continent after leaving Wayne Rooney’s Derby in 2021 to pursue first-team football.

Now Chelsea have reportedly joined the list of admirers of the £15m-rated star, joining West Ham, Fulham and Brentford.

Championship promotion chasers Leeds, as well as French teams Lyon and Nice, have also been mentioned.

HITC say Mauricio Pochettino’s Blues “scouted” Brown, also last weekend.

That’s when Gent lost their mid-table Belgian top-flight match at Standard Liège 4-2.

Brown’s rise over the past three years has been as unusual as it has been incredible.

He turned down a new contract from Rams in a bid to accelerate his progress – the same summer Rooney resigned as manager.

Brown was a regular for Derby’s Under 23 side, where he was switched to both left back and central defense after his days as a left winger for the U-18s.

It is believed that Brown subsequently turned away championship clubs in favor of FC Lausanne-Sport.

His first season brought just four senior appearances and relegation from the Swiss Super League.

But he shone at the second level and immediately helped Lausanne gain promotion back to the elite.

Brown’s standout performances led to a move to Ghent on a four-year contract last August.

Now Chelsea’s desire for cover at left-back could boost his chances of a move to Stamford Bridge.

Blues boss Pochettino would want cover for Ben Chilwell – not least because three other players in that position have been tipped for the exit door, led by £62m flop Marc Cucurella.

Newcastle could convert Lewis Hall’s loan deal into a permanent move and Ian Maatsen could be sold when his temporary spell at Borussia Dortmund ends.