Chelsea win race to sign rising Irish star

CHELSEA have beaten a host of clubs to the signing of one of the most talented young players in Ireland, 14-year-old Conor Clifford.

Conor will sign a contract with the Premiership champions on his 16th birthday following an agreement reached earlier this week. The Crumlin United central midfielder became the youngest ever player to represent the Ireland U-16 side when he made his debut against Switzerland last year aged just 13.

His performances for Crumlin and the various Irish international youth sides attracted interest from a number of Premiership clubs, but it is Chelsea who have won the race.