Inside story on how Chelsea finally landed Mason Burstow after 18-year-old failed trial

Chelsea beat the deadline to snap up one of the EFL's hottest prospects after confirming a deal with Charlton Athletic for teenage striker Mason Burstow.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough campaign for the Addicks, netting six times in 14 games.

That form attracted interest from a host of Premier League sides - but it's Chelsea who have pipped London rivals Brentford to a deal for the exciting forward

The Blues, who finally confirmed the move on Tuesday, have had to pay a handsome sum to persuade the League One outfit to sanction an exit for their bright young star.

But Chelsea could have nabbed Burstow for nothing after the striker spent time on trial at the Londoners back in 2020.

Burstow was just 16 at the time and making waves at Maidstone United - the same non-league club that Fulham raided for Chris Smalling back in 2010.

After impressing for the Stones development sides, ironically in a game against Charlton, Burstow was invited to Cobham for the Blues to take a closer look.

And although a move failed to materialise at the time, Chelsea have kept a close eye on Burstow's development over the past 18 months.

Following that setback, Burstow inked a two-year scholarship with his local club, Charlton, and was handed his senior debut by the Addicks former boss Nigel Adkins back in August.

To say that Burstow was an instant hit would be an understatement - the youngster scored with his very first touch in a Papa Johns Trophy clash with Crawley.

He's gone from strength to strength ever since - and went on to score in the FA Cup in a 4-0 win over Havant & Waterlooville back in November before hitting the goal trail in league action in recent weeks.

The striker netted a consolation for the Addicks