Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas was surprised Swansea boss Brendan Rodgers publicly expressed an interest in signing Josh McEachran.
Chelsea boss yet to decide on January loan deal for McEachran
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas admits he was surprised his Swansea City counterpart Brendan Rodgers publicly expressed an interest in signing Josh McEachran on loan.
McEachran has made just one substitute's appearance in the Premier League this season and the 18-year-old has been tipped to head out on loan in January to gain first-team experience.
Rodgers revealed last month that he would be happy to offer the midfielder the opportunity to play regular top-flight football when the transfer window reopens.
However, Villas-Boas has been left disappointed by Rodgers' comments after praising McEachran's potential at Stamford Bridge.
Immense talent
"The surprise for me was that, publicly, other managers come across almost calling a player," said Villas-Boas.
"It shouldn't be allowed and it doesn't work like that.
"Josh is an immense talent. We are counting on him here as a Chelsea player. When Josh makes it through this difficult, competitive environment he will be one of the most amazing players.
"It is tough, tough competition."
Chelsea striker Daniel Sturridge benefited from a loan spell at Bolton Wanderers in the second half of last season, but Villas-Boas has yet to decide whether to allow McEachran to head out in the New Year.
He added: "I agree it helped but that doesn't mean we have made a decision yet and that other people are allowed to speak of a player that belongs to us."
