Dujuan Richards deal hijacked and Newcastle linked with summer move for Chelsea talent

Chelsea have hijacked Dujuan Richards' proposed move to Newcastle United, while the Magpies have been linked with a summer move for Blues talent Frankie Runham.

As we revealed in a January exclusive, Richards arrived on Tyneside last month for a two-week trial, linking up with our Under-21 squad in search of a professional contract.

Fabrizio Romano claims that Newcastle were 'close' to signing the 17-year-old Jamaican, only for Chelsea director Joe Shields to play a 'crucial' role in negotiations to hijack his proposed move to St James' Park.

The teenage striker - who bagged 31 goals and 19 assists for Phoenix All Stars Academy last season - has signed a pre-contract agreement with the Blues and will officially arrive at Stamford Bridge when he turns 18 in November.

As for Runham, it's believed Newcastle are keen to add the 16-year-old England youth international to our Academy ranks this summer, hoping to tie up a deal before the end of the season that sees him leave Chelsea for our U18 side.