Chelsea have reportedly attempted to hijack Tottenham Hotspur's move for highly-rated Linfield teenager Charlie Allen.

The Northern Irish attacking midfielder, 15, is thought to have had a trial with Spurs, with talks over a deal set to commence shortly.

However, the Blues are keen to sneak in ahead of their London rivals and have offered Allen a trial with them at Cobham instead, according to Football Insider.

Additionally, Manchester City are showing interest in the teenager, complicating Spurs' attempts to snap him up.

Allen turns 16 next month and Linfield have accepted that they cannot hang onto their young talent, but they will want to be fairly compensated.