Enzo Maresca has called for an end to Josh Acheampong’s contract stand-off, insisting the highly-rated youngster needs to be playing regular football - and that Chelsea are desperate to keep him.

Enzo Maresca admitted it is “a shame” that highly-rated Cobham graduate Josh Acheampong is not involved in Chelsea’s first-team squad due to the situation around his contract, and added that he hopes a resolution can be found between the defender and the club soon.

According to The Telegraph, Chelsea were under the impression that a new deal had been agreed with Acheampong and were thus “left bewildered” when he didn’t sign on the dotted line. Meanwhile, The Athletic are reporting that “nothing has been finalised yet” over said contract.