West Brom wonderkid close to signing for Chelsea

Chelsea have been monitoring the West Bromwich Albion wonderkind Isaiah Brown for the past few weeks and have now ermerged as favourites to land the tall and lanky striker, who became the second-youngest player to feature in the Barclays Premier League history in May.

Talks have gone on with Brown's representatives over the move and close to the clubs believe the West London club's interest to spend large sums on youngsters gives them a cutting edge in the fight for the England youth international's signature.

Albion are indeed desperate to keep hold of Brown, who is on a two-year scholarship deal.Boss Steve Clarke is hopeful of convincing him to stay at West Brom and sign a professional contract as soon as he turns 17 in January.

Brown showed his great progress playing for the U21 Westbrom side and he was on the bench for the first team during their visit to Chelsea in March and would have become the Premier League’s youngest player if he had taken part.