• Published: 15:58, 19 Oct 2025
• Updated: 15:58, 19 Oct 2025

Chelsea were once accused of tapping-up a trio of Leeds academy starlets after landing a promising wonderkid.

The Blues signed 16-year-old Michael Woods in 2006 after the teenager turned down a scholarship at Elland Road.

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Chelsea were forced to pay £5million as part of an out-of-court settlement from their signing of WoodsCredit: PA:Press Association

Then Leeds chairman Ken Bates, who had previously owned Chelsea, responded by accusing his old side of tapping up Woods.

Bates also alleged that the Premier League giants had used a similar approach towards two other Leeds academy players.

Although future England international Danny Rose remained at the club, Tom Taiwo would join Woods in moving to west London.

Leeds' accusations resulted in the two sides reaching an out-of-court settlement over the transfers.

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Chelsea ultimately paid £5million in compensation to Leeds for the signings of Woods and Taiwo.

Meanwhile, the then Championship side withdrew their allegations upon reaching the settlement.

As for Woods, the promising midfielder was already an England...