Chelsea are among the top clubs watching teenager Sol Sidibe after an eye-catching breakthrough year at Stoke City.

Sidibe, son of ex-Stoke striker Mamady, was given a debut aged 16 earlier in the season, becoming the first player born in 2007 to feature in either of the top two divisions.

The France-born central midfielder earned rave reviews after being handed a full debut by former manager Alex Neil in a Carabao Cup victory over West Brom.

The 17-year-old, who has made eight appearances for the Potters – the latest coming on the final day against Bristol City – is attracting interest from elsewhere.

Rangers and AC Milan are also believed to be keeping an eye on Sidibe’s situation ahead of the summer.

Sidibe has won international recognition with England’s Under 17s this season and is also eligible to feature for Senegal and Mali, while France are considering a call-up.

The third-youngest player ever to turn out for Stoke, his French passport has alerted European sides.

‘The first team experience at the start of the season was great,’ Sidibe said recently. ‘I had an opportunity to impress, that was all I wanted, and hopefully there will be more to come.

‘The staff have shown that they believe in me and given me the opportunities to progress and become a better footballer.’