Chelsea could lose out to Manchester Untied in the race to sign Watford prospect Harry Amass, according to reports.
Amass, who only turned 16 earlier this month, is a young defender on Watford’s books.
The Evening Standard claims that Man United are ‘expected’ to beat Chelsea to the signing of the 16-year-old.
It is explained that the teenage left-back is already in ‘advanced talks’ over a potential move to Old Trafford.
Apparently, Amass thinks the best choice for his development is to join one of the top academies in the country rather than trying to force his way into a Championship first-team squad.
Amass is yet to make a first-team debut in his career, but his reputation is growing due to success at youth level.
The full-back plays regularly at youth team level for Watford. He featured in a first-team matchday squad back in January during an FA Cup tie against Reading, too.
In addition, he’s been playing at international level for England’s Under-16s side for the last half a year.
It sounds like Man United are about to snap up the left-back, who will hope to be the next Luke Shaw or Ben Chilwell in the future.
Chelsea’s academy looks in a strong place right now, especially with the Under-21s side in a title race this season.
It’s been an obvious tactic from the Blues ownership to sign some of the best young talents across Europe.
If you examine Chelsea options at left-back, there are some young candidates to choose from.
Lewis Hall, 18, has proven he’s a genuine option for the first team as a left wing-back. Pat Nevin described Chelsea teenager Hall as “exceptional” earlier this season against Crystal Palace.
Meanwhile, Ian Maatsen is another Chelsea-owned left-back to keep an eye out for. The 21-year-old is massively impressing during his season-long loan at Championship leaders Burnley. Burnley manager Vincent Kompany previously hailed Maatsen as a unique talent.
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