Chelsea Eye Talented Uruguayan Starlet Kevin Mendez from Penarol

Chelsea are preparing to bolster their youth ranks by signing Uruguayan starlet Kevin Mendez, according to the Daily Mail.

The 18-year old is one of the talented strikers in South America and was promoted last November into the first team of Montevideo based club, Penarol. Capped at U17 level for his national team, Mendez was linked with a move to Liverpool in winter following recommendations from their former star Luis Suarez.

Mendez's talent was first on display during the 2013 U17 South American Championships. He scored four goals as Uruguay finished fourth and qualified for the U17 World Cup in UAE last summer. The youngster starred once again netting two goals as for Fabián Coito's side bowed out in the quarterfinals against winners Nigeria.

Should the Penarol starlet make the switch to Stamford Bridge this summer, he is likely to be sent out on loan to gain first team experience. Eredivisie outfit Vitesse Arnhem have enjoyed a good relationship with the west London club and have given first-team opportunities to the Blues' fringe players arriving on a season-long loan.

Patrick van Aanholt, Christian Atsu and Lucas Piazon plied their trade at the GelreDome last campaign while versatile Brazilian right-back Wallace is now part of the Dutch club's roster for the upcoming season.

In the last few weeks, Tutto Mercato Web has claimed that Mendez is being tracked by Ligue 1 champions Paris Saint-Germain as well as Serie A clubs AS Roma and Fiorentina.

La Liga outfits Barcelona and Atletico Madrid too are believed to have approached Penarol to acquire the striker's services.

Reports suggest that the South American youngster is valued at around €6m (£4.75m), which wouldn't be a burden for his potential suitors.

Meanwhile, Jose Mourinho has re-signed Chelsea's legendary striker Didier Drogba by offering the Ivory Coast international a one-year contract. The 36-year-old returns to Stamford Bridge, two years after powering the Blues to secure their first Champions League glory in Munich.