Chelsea are reportedly looking to beat Liverpool in the race to sign St Patrick's Athletic youngster Mason Melia.
Since their arrival in May, Chelsea's new owners have brought in a wide array of fresh faces, many of whom have been ready for first-team football.
However, a conscious effort has also been made to acquire some of the best prospects in England and world football with the aim of building for the future.
More recently, Chelsea have spent £3m on Southampton talent Jimmy-Jay Morgan, a considerable outlay on a player who is 17 years of age and yet to make a senior appearance.
The West Londoners have since followed that up by delving into Northern Irish football, signing 14-year-old Christoper Atherton from Glenavon.
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Chelsea have seemingly now cast their glances South of the border where a 15-year-old is being tipped to become the latest talent to emerge as a potential big name for the future.
Melia, who is just 15 years of age, came off the substitutes' bench to score in a Leinster Senior Cup tie in January, immediately putting himself in the spotlight.
According to Football Insider, Chelsea are now ready to rival Liverpool for the player over the coming months.
The report claims that Chelsea are willing to out-bid Liverpool in all departments to ensure that they can add Melia to their academy system.
As it stands, it is unclear whether the Republic of Ireland Under-17 international will be swayed to move to either of the Premier League giants.
Darren Plant
