Premier League duo ‘battling to sign 18-year-old non-league wonderkid after starring role at sixth-tier Dartford’
WEST HAM and Crystal Palace are reportedly battling to sign non-league prodigy Olly Box.
The 18-year-old has burst onto the scene with National League South side Dartford.
Box has already netted three goals in just two games.
And a number of clubs are now tracking his progress in the lower tiers.
HITC claims Brentford, Middlesbrough, Millwall and Leyton Orient have all scouted Box in recent weeks.
But it’s West Ham and Palace who are leading the charge to bring him to the Premier League.
The attacking midfielder is seen as a future top-flight star.
And bids could be incoming this summer, with Dartford 18th in their league and far from the promotion spots.
West Ham are ready to build for the future after offering David Moyes a new long-term contract.
They boosted their midfield in the past two windows with Edson Alvarez, James Ward-Prowse and Kalvin Phillips.
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But with the latter only on loan from Manchester City, there is set to be a space available in Moyes’ squad for next season.
As for Palace, they have long made signing top youngsters a regular habit.
The likes of Matheus Franca and Adam Wharton are set to play big roles under new boss Oliver Glasner.
And Box would be another kid who could be perfect for Palace’s style.