According to confirmed reports, Brighton academy product Zak Sturge is set to become a Chelsea player.

Nizaar Kinsella has confirmed that Chelsea are set to sign Zak Sturge from Brighton for a compensation fee of £500,000.

The deal is expected to be completed in the next 24 hours.

Sturge is highly-rated, and is expected to have a promising career.

He would be joining the U23s set up at Chelsea and has already posted a message on his Instagram account saying: “It’s now time for me to start the next chapter of my footballing journey”.

Sturge was unable to agree a new contract with Brighton at the end of last season and recently confirmed his departure on Instagram. He wrote: “I’ve spent 3 special years down on the south coast with Brighton, but it’s now time to say goodbye.

“During my time at the club I have learnt a lot about myself as a player and made some life long friends along the way. That being said, It’s now time for me to start the next chapter in my footballing journey.

“I would like to thank all the Brighton coaches that have played a part in developing me as a player over the past 3 years, and I would like to wish everyone (staff & players) all the best for the forthcoming season.”