Crystal Palace lead chase to land highly-rated Rochdale youngster

Crystal Palace are currently the frontrunners to land highly-rated Rochdale youngster George Nevett.

However, they face stiff competition from sides in the Premier League and the Championship to land the 17-year-old centre-back, the South London Press understands.

Nevett signed his first professional deal with Rochdale over the summer – after making his debut in League Two against Sutton United towards the end of last season – and has made 19 appearances this campaign under Jim McNulty.

He was also called up to the Wales U19 squad for the first time recently – making his debut as a late substitute in the 1-1 draw with England.

A number of youngsters who had been playing senior football have been plucked by Palace in recent seasons, with Justin Devenny, Killian Philipps, Dylan Reid and Kofi Balmer all making the switch to Selhurst Park,

Rochdale are eighth in the National League and looking at winning promotion back to League Two at the first time of asking after being relegated from the fourth division last season.