Sheffield United have taken Chelsea winger Silko Thomas on trial with a view to signing the teenager on a permanent basis, according to reports.

The 18-year-old featured for the Blades’ Under 21s in the 3-3 draw against Wigan last week, as the Yorkshire club weigh up whether to snap him up.

Manager Paul Heckingbottom is said to be keen on recruiting youngsters from Premier League academies who have been released by their clubs.

Thomas would certainly fit the profile. He first joined Chelsea’s Under 10s before going all the way through the age groups until he was training with the first team.

Manager Graham Potter selected him to train with the senior squad ahead of the draw against Manchester United back in October but it appears that his future lies away from Stamford Bridge.

Thomas has been capped by England Under 18s so he certainly possesses talent but it will be up to Heckingbottom and the academy staff to decide whether he joins the Blades.