New Chelsea signing Mason Burstow is actually a Blues REJECT.

The 18-year-old has enjoyed a stunning breakthrough campaign for Charlton Athletic, netting six times in 14 games.

That form attracted interest from a host of Premier League sides - but it's Chelsea who have pipped London rivals Brentford to a deal for the exciting forward.

But Chelsea could have nabbed Burstow for next to nothing after the striker spent time on trial with the Londoners back in 2020, says the Mirror.

Burstow was just 16 at the time and making waves at Maidstone United - the same non-league club that Fulham raided for Chris Smalling back in 2010.

After impressing for the Stones development sides, ironically in a game against Charlton, Burstow was invited to Cobham for the Blues to take a closer look.

And although a move failed to materialise at the time, Chelsea have kept a close eye on Burstow's development over the past 18 months.

Following that setback, Burstow inked a two-year scholarship with his local club, Charlton, and was handed his senior debut by the Addicks former boss Nigel Adkins back in August.