Chelsea head coach Thomas Tuchel has played down speculation linking Armando Broja with a move away from Stamford Bridge and expects the striker to stay at the club this summer.

The 20-year-old has caught the eye of a number of clubs in Europe after impressing on loan at Southampton last season, scoring nine goals in 38 appearances across all tournaments.

West Ham United are believed to be the frontrunners for Broja’s signature, with one report claiming that they are close to agreeing a deal with Chelsea to take the striker on loan with an option to buy.

The Hammers had allegedly tabled a £30m bid for the Albania international prior to their loan offer, but Tuchel has reiterated that he intends to integrate the youngster into his first-team squad for the new campaign.

Speaking to reporters, via Sky Sports News, on the club’s pre-season tour of the USA, Tuchel said: “I don’t expect [Broja] to leave.

“I’m aware of the offers and aware of the interest." We will make a decision together, the owner, me and the player. When he arrived, it was clear he was trying to impress and become a Chelsea player.

“After his Southampton loan, it’s clear he wants to take the next step." Unfortunately, he got injured and there is now a lot of interest in him. Let’s see how that goes. He has a contract here. "

“We have a lot of options, but not the type of Armando." Last season with him and Conor Gallagher, we always have to weigh up what’s good for them and the club. Is there a prospect of him getting minutes here?

“He has already played in the Premier League." With Armando, we have to look at the situation very carefully and individually and decide if we have the minutes we can offer so he can grow here or give him another loan to give him match minutes. "