Chelsea midfielder Lesley Ugochukwu is set to join Southampton on a season-long loan, according to The Athletic.

Enzo Maresca has loaned the player out in other to allow him more playing time.

The midfielder signed a seven-year contract and immediately linked up with the Chelsea squad during the summer tour of the USA.

Ugochukwu made his debut as a late substitute against Liverpool in the season opener. His first start came in the Carabao Cup against AFC Wimbledon, followed by his first full 90 minutes in the Premier League during a draw away at Bournemouth in September 2023.

The 20-year-old made 13 appearances under Mauricio Pochettino last season but missed almost the entire second half of the season due to a hamstring injury.

He returned for the final few games of the campaign.