Captain John Terry reckons Jake Clarke-Salter will be the man to take his place in the Chelsea team.

The 35-year-old is out of contract at the end of the season and expects to leave in the summer after being told he will not be offered fresh terms.

Chelsea’s academy prospects have struggled to break into the first-team squad in recent years as Roman Abramovich’s spending power has negated the need for young blood.

Ruben Loftus-Cheek is starting to make inroads but Terry remains the last player to make the jump and cement a regular spot in the Blues side.

Clarke-Salter signed for the Blues at U9s-level and has been a part of the club’s academy ever since, making his professional debut at Aston Villa last month.

Chelsea skipper Terry has been impressed with the 18 year-old’s progression and can see a route into the first-team opening up for the highly-rated defender.

Terry said: "Jake has a great attitude. I remember watching him a couple of years ago being in control of the game and a really vocal player. He reminds me a bit of myself.

Watch: Where next for John Terry if he leaves Chelsea?

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"[Jake] is doing great and I hope he goes on to take my position and get in the first team. It was great for him to make his debut.

“I was disappointed I wasn't there to support him because I missed the game [through injury]. But watching it from home, I was delighted."

Part of the England U19s squad and having earned a spot on pre-season tours as part of the first-team, Clarke-Salter is a defender with a growing reputation.

Chelsea are a club known for producing quality talent - if not always giving them a chance in the senior setup at Stamford Bridge.

Part of that process involves tying players down to long contracts and given his progress, it was no surprise to see the defender sign a new deal before Christmas.

Clarke-Salter’s new Chelsea contract will keep him in west London until at least the summer of 2019.

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