What Bristol Rovers fans can expect from ‘exciting’ Harvey Vale with loan move close
The 19-year-old attacking midfielder is expected to join Bristol Rovers on loan from Chelsea
Bristol Rovers are close to securing their ninth signing of the summer with Chelsea midfielder Harvey Vale expected to join on loan for the season, Bristol Live understands.
The 19-year-old was subject to interest from the Gas back in January but a deal couldn’t be completed due to the three-club rule, having been on loan at Hull City, but now looks set for a move to the Mem at long last.
An attacking midfielder, Vale is currently one of the Blue’s most exciting prospects at Cobham and has played for the first-team on five occasions.
Additionally, the youngster was involved in England’s U19 European Championship victory last summer alongside Rovers goalkeeper Matt Cox, who joined on loan from Brentford last month.
However, with little else known about the Englishman, we asked one of fooball.london’s Chelsea writer Bobby Vincent for more insight on the youngster.
Vale is listed on Transfermarkt as an attacking midfielder/forward – where’s his best position?
“I’d probably say through the middle as a central attacking midfielder. He has also impressed on the left-hand side as well. Honestly, his natural ability means he can play anywhere across the front-line.”
“Vale did not get the minutes he and Chelsea were after at Hull. Chelsea then made the decision to recall him in January because they believed he would be better playing for their Development Squad.”
How highly regarded is Vale within Chelsea? Does he have potential to play in the first team regularly?
“Those at the academy rate Vale very highly. Neil Bath has played a big part in his development and I know he rates him very highly. However, it’s so difficult to break into the first-team at Chelsea, particularly when you look at the kind of money being spent in each window.”
Did Chelsea fans expect Vale to go on loan to a League One level side?
“I’d say it might surprise a few but given what happened at Hull last season, League One may be the best fit for him.”
