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Leeds United, Everton and Wolves have all joined the race for Chelsea starlet Armando Broja, TEAMtalk understands.

The centre-forward has been enjoying a successful campaign on loan at Southampton from the Blues. His record stands at seven goals from 21 matches, including five in the Premier League.

It is not just Broja’s keen eye for goal that has been impressive. The Slough-born player, who represents Albania on the international stage, is gaining admirers for his overall play. He is causing opposition defenders all sorts of problems.

Chelsea have a big decision on their hands as they must evaluate whether Broja can make it into the first team at Stamford Bridge.

If it’s a no, then they must decide whether he will leave permanently or on loan during 2022-23.

TEAMtalk has learned Southampton have made it clear they would like to keep him beyond the current campaign. However, they now have challengers for his signature.

Three new clubs in for Armando Broja

Leeds, Everton and Wolves have all been impressed by the 20-year-old’s deadly performances and now look set to enter the transfer race, TEAMtalk understands.

Leeds have struggled in attack this term due to the absence of Patrick Bamford. The Englishman has dealt with several injuries, and the Whites want to ensure they will not be left short again.

Everton, currently manager-less after the sacking of Rafa Benitez, have Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Richarlison as first-choice strikers. But with Calvert-Lewin attracting attention from Arsenal, the Toffees are viewing Broja as a potential replacement on Merseyside.

Wolves, meanwhile, have talismanic striker Raul Jimenez back from a long lay-off and recently made Hwang Hee-chan’s loan switch permanent. Broja would provide extra competition for places at Molineux alongside youngster Fabio Silva.

Hasenhuttl explains Broja success

Saints boss Ralph Hasenhuttl recently hinted at why Broja is having such a good time at St Mary’s.

“I think everything we promised them before he came here has come to reality. This is always a good argument for you as a club,” Hasenhuttl said (via Sports illustrated).

“Very often you get told a lot of things (in football) and then you don’t get anything from it. This is not only for Broja but also for Tino Livramento and the other young lads coming to us.

“We tried to offer them what we have promised them – and this is an honest way of handling them that helps you to come here and find your role in this club quicker.”

He added: “He has had his best mate Tino from the first moment with him. He is with Nathan Tella, Will Smallbone – all the young lads – even Dynel Simeu who is also a player from Chelsea.

“Here, we have a few young lads that are always training with us and who are always hanging together. We call them ‘The Boy Group’. It’s fantastic for him to be with them now. I think this is the reason why he loves it here so much.

“When you get a feeling as a player that what you’ve got told to do helps you develop your game, then you do it and you like to do it.”

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