By Pete O'Rourke, Transfer Correspondent

24th Jul, 2023 | 12:59pm

Sources: Junior Tchamadeu hands in transfer request to secure move to Stoke City

Stoke City target Junior Tchamadeu has handed in a transfer request at Colchester United, sources have told Football Insider.

Tchamadeu, 19, was missing from the Colchester team at the weekend for their most recent pre-season friendly following rejected bids from Stoke worth over £1million.

Stoke are keen to sign Tchamadeu as Alex Neill sees him as a key addition to his plans at the bet365 Stadium.

The attacking wing-back is regarded as one of the best young prospects in the Football League after catching the eye for Colchester over the last couple of seasons.

Tchamadeu was crowned Sky Bet League Two Young Player of the Season at the EFL awards and was also named in the League Two Team of the Year.

The right-back made 46 appearances for Colchester across all competitions last season and was in the starting lineup for all but four of those outings.

The defender also netted five goals and offered up two assists last term.

Colchester have already brought in four new signings this summer and, as quoted by the Gazette Standard (23 July), boss Ben Garner is hopeful of bringing in two or three more before the close of the window.

Garner is looking to add depth, not just quality, to the League Two side.

Stoke are also in the market for reinforcements after last season’s 16th place Championship finish.

Alex Neil’s side finished nine points clear of the drop zone in the second division last term.

In other news, big update on Leeds star quitting after development.