Chelsea midfielder emerges as second Portsmouth triallist in reserve win alongside Manchester United defender

The midfielder, 19, has been confirmed as the second triallist who featured for the Blues’ reserves in a 2-1 victory over Luton Town under-21s on Tuesday.

Ekwah, along with Manchester United defender Max Taylor, lined-up for Mark Kelly’s side at Gosport Borough’s Privett Park.

The Frenchman featured in central midfield next to Ben Close.

And Ekwah’s controlled performance in the engine room caught the eye.

He rattled the bar in the first half with a long-range left-footed thunderbolt that had the Hatters keeper beaten before curling a free-kick not far wide.

Ekwah, who can also operate as a centre-back, has made five appearances for Chelsea under-23s in Premier League 2 this season.

He’s out of contract at Stamford Bridge this summer and appears to be exploring his options ahead of being released.

Jackett was in the stands to run the rule over Ekwah, who linked up with Pompey on Monday.

The teenager made the move to Chelsea from Nantes in the summer of 2018 before signing his maiden professional deal the following January.

He’s also capped at under-16 level by France.

As reported by The News after the game, Taylor was the triallist who started in central defence alongside Paul Downing against Luton.

The 21-year-old is out of contract at United his summer, having joined the club when he was 14.

Taylor had a spell on loan at non-league Kidderminster Town before it was cut shut due to the shutdown of non-elite sport amid the coronavirus crisis.

Should the pair successfully impress, neither would be able to sign for Pompey this season as the transfer window is closed.

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