Leyton Orient have joined the race to sign Chippenham Town defender Dan Ellison but face plenty of competition, according to journalist Dan Marsh.
The 18-year-old is continuing to impress in the National League South so far this season and has earned a mountain of EFL interest ahead of what’s expected to be a busy summer transfer window for the defender.
Which clubs are interested?
According to Dan Marsh, there are four clubs interested in signing the 18-year-old, but one is facing a very difficult quest due to an EFL limitation. Championship side Queen’s Park Rangers have entered the race alongside League One trio Leyton Orient, Blackpool and Reading.
The Royals are very keen to sign him according to Dan Marsh, but their ongoing transfer embargo means they face the likelihood of missing out, leaving three sides to battle it out.
However, no side has been listed as the player’s preferred destination.
How much will the deal cost?
Chippenham Town have reportedly slapped a £10,000 price tag on his head, as well as including a 20% sell-on clause to protect the football club in the long term.
Non-League sides placing a high sell-on clause is normal at this level, as it protects the football club in the long term and allows them to push towards their goal of reaching the National League and becoming a full-time football club.
Why are Leyton Orient chasing this player?
The defender has impressed in the sixth tier this season, scoring four goals in 26 league appearances as well as making appearances in the FA Trophy and local regionalised competitions.
His exposure to first-team football at such a young age is a true testament to how well he has performed so far this season. January 2023 saw a similar move when St. Albans City defender Riccardo Di Trolio was snapped up by Championship side Coventry City.