Chelsea youngster Charly Musonda open to loan move to Marseille

Chelsea midfielder Charly Musonda Jr is open to a loan move to France next season, but will wait to learn of manager Jose Mourinho's plans for him before making any decision.

The 18-year-old's rapid progress for the club's Under-21 ranks this season earned him a new contract at Stamford Bridge in March but a loan move could be the next stage in his development.

Marseille, who could forge a new partnership with Chelsea this summer that could see a number of Blues youngsters move to the Stade Veledrome on loan, are keen on the highly-rated 18-year-old and have already registered an interest, according to Musonda, as have league rivals Monaco.

The Belgium Under-21 international is still hoping to be rewarded with a role in the first team next season but admits a temporary move to France is also a possibility.

"Everything will depend on the discussions that I will have with the coach [Jose Mourinho] and the club's management at the end of the season,' he told French publication Foot Mercato. "At the moment, I do not know where I will play next season, but I think a loan is possible.

"My priority is Chelsea and, obviously, if I can get more playing time, I will stay. But if this is not the case, I will ask to go on loan."

"There are a lot of great clubs in Europe who are interested in me, including several French clubs. I know that Marseille, Monaco and PSG follow me.

"It [Ligue 1] is a good championship in which I can progress and have a regular playing spot. It is a step that may, perhaps, be necessary for me to be among the best players in Europe."

A number of Chelsea youngsters will be hoping to earn a role in the first team next term after their remarkable success this campaign, where the club also won the Uefa Youth League.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek, who made his debut in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on 10 May, has already been assured a role by Mourinho, while defender Branislav Ivanovic predicts another "five or six" to make the jump.