Gael Kakuta is today locked in new contract talks with Chelsea.

The Daily Mail says Kakuta has been excused France Under 20 duty to thrash out a new deal with Chelsea.

The 19-year-old - who joined Chelsea from Lens in controversial circumstances three years ago - is out of contract at the end of the season.

Kakuta played the full 90 minutes as France's Under 20 side beat Montenegro on Tuesday, but he has been excused turning out in their friendly against third-tier French club Orleans on Thursday.

It is thought Chelsea were considering letting the attacking midfielder's contract run down, but French newspaper L'Equipe reports that he was returning to London for talks.