Chelsea: Blues scout Piet de Visser confirms he has been scouting Dutch talent Rick van Drongelen

Chelsea scout Piet de Visser says he is keeping tabs on 17-year-old Dutch starlet Rick van Drongelen. Defender Van Drongelen made his senior debut for Sparta Rotterdam at the age of just 16 earlier this season, quickly garnering a reputation as one of Dutch football's brightest young talents.

Dutch daily De Telegraaf reported last week Chelsea are following the youngster, having sent De Visser to monitor his progress for the leaders of the Dutch second tier.

Speaking to Omroep Zeeland, De Visser confirmed that he has been watching Van Drongelen on Chelsea's behalf and has been impressed with what he has seen so far.

"I have filed a report about Van Drongelen to Chelsea. I know Rick for a long time," he said. "I think he is a serious guy who always trains extra hard and shows a good mentality.

"I told him: 'Focus on your spot at Sparta Rotterdam and for Netherlands Under-19s.' There he is doing a good job. He should just continue."

De Visser has worked as a scout for Chelsea since 2005 and was influential in the club signing Arjen Robben, while he was previously responsible for bringing Brazilian greats Romario and Ronaldo to Europe.

Elsewhere at Chelsea, Brazilian midfielder Ramires has been linked with a shock move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning. According to the Daily Mail, the 28-year-old is now on the brink of a £25m ($35.6m) transfer to the Chinese club.

Ramires arrived at Stamford Bridge in 2010 from Benfica, costing the club a reported fee of £18m, but has made just one appearance under Guus Hiddink since the turn of the year.

The Blues, languishing in 13<sup>th place in the league despite recent victory over Arsenal, are expected to have a busy final week of the January transfer window with Alexandre Pato tipped to arrive at Stamford Bridge.