These youngsters have been drawing attention in the lower divisions and may be on the move in January.
With the start of the January transfer window now on the horizon, clubs across the land will be assessing a variety of players as they seek to make the additions that will help them achieve their goals come the end of the season.
As ever, there are plenty of highly thought of youngsters in the Football League who could be set to step up a level or two over the course of the next month – here are five of the best of them.
Charlton’s Ademola Lookman celebrates scoring their second goal
Ademola Lookman – Charlton Athletic
The 19-year-old Wandsworth-born winger burst on to the scene just over a year ago, and has continued to thrive despite Charlton’s ongoing off-field problems.
The Addicks’ relegation to League One has given Lookman the opportunity to terrorise third tier full-backs on a weekly basis, and last season’s Championship Apprentice of the Year has received England Under-20 recognition as a result of his impressive performances.
He has scored six goals for the South London outfit so far this season but may be unlikely to add to that tally given his long list of potential suitors; the Birmingham Mail have linked West Brom with a move for the winger but Everton seems his most likely destination, with The Independent recently reporting that the Toffees were closing in on an £11m deal.
Ademola Lookman of Charlton Athletic (L) and Paul Gallagher of Preston North End in action
Zach Clough – Bolton Wanderers
Like Lookman, Clough is a player that has stayed loyal to his side despite relegation to League One and is currently reaping the rewards.
The 21-year-old was one of the few bright spots in Bolton’s dismal campaign last time out, and Clough has continued his goalscoring exploits in the lower division.
Bolton Wanderers’ Zach Clough scores their second goal from the penalty spot
He has already matched his total of seven goals from last season, and was named the division’s Player of the Month for October after a prolific month which included two match-winning braces.
A whole host of Championship clubs are reportedly interested in the striker – The Sun claimed recently that Leeds, Birmingham, Bristol City and Wolves were among those monitoring the situation – and Clough looks set to have to decide whether to aid Bolton’s promotion hopes or move on from the Macron.
Conor Chaplin – Portsmouth
At just 5ft 6in Chaplin is a diminutive striker, but that has not stopped him standing head and shoulders above his teammates and opponents on occasion this season.
His five goals so far have included some memorable strikes, with his inventive header against Wycombe and overhead kick at Blackpool standing out.
Conor Chaplin celebrates after scoring the second goal for Portsmouth
The 19-year-old has also picked up five yellow cards this season, suggesting he needs to watch his discipline, but he will have no shortage of options if he decides to leave Fratton Park in January.
The Sun recently reported that Bournemouth are keen on trying to persuade Chaplin to move along the south coast, while the same article alleges that Ipswich, QPR and Fulham have all sent scouts to keep an eye on the striker’s progress.
To see HITC’s lowdown on Chaplin, click here.
Ethan Ampadu – Exeter City
One of the hottest properties in the lower leagues, Ampadu became Exeter’s youngest ever player when he lined up for the Grecians against Brentford in the EFL Cup in August aged just 15 – he promptly claimed the man-of-the-match award and helped his side progress against Championship opposition.
Ethan Ampadu
Capable of playing in the centre of defence or midfield, the 16-year-old has also represented Wales Under-19’s and trained with the senior squad alongside Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey.
The teenager is yet to leave school and therefore expected to see out the season with the Devon club, but that is unlikely to stop the big clubs making their approaches; his father Kwame works in Arsenal’s academy, and Metro recently reported that the Gunners may have beaten competition from their Premier League rivals to secure the youngster’s signature.
For HITC’s full scouting report on Ampadu, click here.
Leonardo Da Silva Lopes – Peterborough United
Anyone who has established themselves as a regular in a promotion-chasing League One side at the age of just 18 is worth noting, and Da Silva Lopes is catching the eye of numerous higher division clubs due to his performances for the Posh.
The Lisbon-born midfielder made his debut last season and has kicked on in this campaign, playing an integral role for Grant McCann’s side as they chase a return to the Championship.
Peterborough’s Leo Da Silva Lopes (R) in action with Bolton’s Zach Clough
Da Silva Lopes also impressed against Premier League opposition in the EFL Cup, finding the net against Swansea in his side’s 3-1 defeat.
Peterborough’s chairman Darragh MacAnthony has made it known via social media that there are a wealth of teams interested in securing the teenager’s signature, with Tottenham reportedly keen to add the youngster to their squad.
Which of these prospects would fit in at your club? Leave your thoughts below.
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