Chelsea have offered Patrick Bamford a bumper new five-year contract, according to The Times.
The 21-year-old has been in superb form this season for Championship side Middlesbrough and was voted as the Player of the Season for England’s second league earlier this month.
Bamford has been attracting attention from a number of Premier League clubs, who are keen to pursue a similar one-year loan deal next season.
Chelsea are keen to allow the youngster to enjoy another loan spell as they hope he can gain further playing time and develop further, before an eventual return to Stamford Bridge.
And, it is now understood that Jose Mourinho has instructed officials at the club to tie him down to a five-year deal, rather than run the risk of allowing him to leave on a free next summer.
Aston Villa have emerged as favourites with boss Tim Sherwood a big admirer of the striker.
Crystal Palace, Everton and Southampton are also said to be keen on making an offer.