Middlesbrough prodigy Cruz Ibeh is reportedly attracting interest from Arsenal, Chelsea, Manchester City and Liverpool.
The 17-year-old has made waves within Middlesbrough’s youth ranks, establishing himself as one of the club’s brightest young prospects.
His exploits do not appear to have flown under the radar, with Premier League clubs said to have taken notice.
Middlesbrough prodigy Cruz Ibeh reportedly has Premier League admirers.placeholder image
Middlesbrough prodigy Cruz Ibeh reportedly has Premier League admirers. | Steve Welsh/PA Wire
Premier League interest in Middlesbrough prodigy
According to TEAMtalk, Arsenal and Chelsea are both admirers of the Teesside local.
Liverpool and Manchester City are also believed to be monitoring Ibeh, who penned his first professional contract earlier in the season.
While Middlesbrough are thought to be aware of mounting interest, it has been suggested they are confident of keeping him at the Riverside.
The Championship promotion hopefuls have faced plenty of high-profile interest in academy prospects over the years and it would be a bitter blow if Ibeh was lured away.
Middlesbrough reportedly view the frontman as someone who could become a first-team regular in the coming seasons and more senior exposure will only hike his valuation.
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg gave Cruz Ibeh his debut last month.placeholder image
Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg gave Cruz Ibeh his debut last month. | Nick Potts/PA Wire
Kim Hellberg on Cruz Ibeh
After handing Ibeh his first-team debut at Craven Cottage, Middlesbrough boss Kim Hellberg said: "We were trying to be brave in that decision, to give an opportunity at a moment when the game was very much still alive, because it was 2-1 at the time he came on, so there was an opportunity there for the taking.
"I was happy to see Cruz on the pitch and he will learn from it. He has to improve and work hard, and he will do that, so it's a good moment."