Report: Brentford close to signing Josh McEachran from Chelsea

Championship side Brentford are reportedly close to signing Chelsea midfielder Josh McEachran on a permanent deal.

The 22-year-old was tipped for a bright future at Stamford Bridge after coming through the club's youth ranks, but he has found first-team opportunities limited with the Blues.

The England Under-21 international's last appearance for Chelsea came in a Premier League win at Wolverhampton Wanderers in January 2012 when Andre Villas-Boas was manager.

McEachran has been loaned out five times in the past three years, taking in spells at Swansea City, Middlesbrough, Watford, Wigan Athletic and Vitesse Arnhem.

According to The Guardian, Brentford have offered McEachran a four-year contract and the transfer is expected to be finalised later this week.

McEachran played 21 times for Vitesse last season.