4 European Under-21 Stars Who Should Be on Chelsea's Radar

Sweden and Portugal face off this week in the UEFA European Under-21 Championship.

Few would have predicted those two teams would meet in the competition's grand finale. Indeed, fewer would have predicted their demolition of Denmark and Germany in the semi-finals, too.

Sweden defeated the Danish 4-1, while Portugal recorded an emphatic 5-0 win over their German counterparts.

"What has this all got to do with Chelsea?" we hear you ask. Well, like the rest of Europe, the Blues would have been keeping a close eye on the action in Czech Republic.

Jose Mourinho's assistant manager Steve Holland was part of the England coaching setup, while Chelsea players Nathaniel Chalobah and Ruben Loftus-Cheek also represented the Three Lions.

More than that, however, will be the fact the under-21 competition is showcasing some of the best young talent on the continent. And as we know, Chelsea are making a habit of signing any player who shows promise these days.

So with that in mind, join Bleacher Report as it identifies some of the under-21 stars who should be on Chelsea's radar.

Jannik Vestergaard

Matej Divizna/Getty Images

Country: Denmark

Age: 22

Position: Defender

Currently plying his trade with Werder Bremen in the Bundesliga, Jannik Vestergaard is a machine.

A physically imposing  centre-back, his 6'6" frame is a spectacle to be marvelled.

Indeed, not many strikers like facing the 22-year-old, and we can be sure that in years to come, it won't just be his height that marks him as a big figure in European football.

Regardless of that semi-final defeat to Sweden, Vestergaard remains a strong figure. He's a leader, and given his physical presence, he isn't afraid to impose himself.

Jose Mourinho builds his teams around big, strong players, and with John Terry's career nearing an end, a player of Vestergaard's attributes must surely be in consideration.

He's still raw and has much to learn, but he has plenty in his locker to suggest that with the right coaching, he can become an exceptional defender.

Bernardo Silva

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Country: Portugal

Age: 20

Position: Midfielder

Given his position among the England coaching staff, Steve Holland was well-placed to give Jose Mourinho a firsthand scouting report on Bernardo Silva.

The Portugal star gave England the run around in their opening fixture of the European Championship, proving a pivotal figure in his country's 1-0 victory.

Indeed, Silva has been a pivotal figure throughout the competition and is a big reason for Portugal progressing so far in Czech Republic.

He's an exciting talent who enjoys playing on the front foot in the traditions of those Portuguese stars we've seen in the past, such as Rui Costa and Luis Figo.

Before we get carried away, we're not suggesting Silva will emulate either of those stars from yesteryear—or that he's a like-for-like player—but he has captured the imagination this summer.

He was signed permanently by Monaco in January. If he progresses like his European Championship performances suggest he can, it won't be much longer that he enjoys the benefits of a tax-free salary.

Domenico Berardi

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Country: Italy

Age: 20

Position: Striker

Italy have been searching for their next truly great striker, and in Domenico Berardi, they have a player with plenty of potential to join those great calcio traditions.

The Italians went out in the group stages of the European Championship, but if they had more players of Berardi's capabilities, we would be talking of them as being finalists.

England felt his impact firsthand as Berardi tore through the English midfield, causing havoc in their final group game, winning 3-1.

It was Italy's only win of the competition, and Berardi was their talisman.

He currently plays for Sassuolo, where he continues to develop his game as a regular. Such is his talent that, in January 2014, Berardi scored four goals in one game against AC Milan.

He's being tipped for big things, and Chelsea should take note.

John Stones

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Country: England

Age: 21

Position: Defender

According to reports across the media already this summer, John Stones is a transfer target for Jose Mourinho.

The latest rumour from Simon Johnson at the Evening Standard is that Chelsea will soon be making a bid for the Everton defender.

That should be news to the ears of Chelsea fans, as Chelsea need to add some depth to their defence.

Mourinho needs to continue the rebuilding project at Stamford Bridge, and finding a long-term replacement for John Terry is at the top of his list when we consider the defensive aspects.

Stones isn't a like-for-like in that sense, but he has all the attributes to become one of England's best defenders in the coming seasons.

He's good with the ball at his feet, can impose himself and is rarely found out of position or exposed.

It was a disappointing under-21 campaign for Stones. He played just once after recovering from a concussion, and it wasn't his best display, either.

Mourinho shouldn't let one outing impact his judgment, however.

Garry Hayes is Bleacher Report's lead Chelsea correspondent. All quotes were obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted. Follow him on Twitter @garryhayes.