Chelsea are taking an interest in signing 18-year-old Portsmouth winger Leon Maloney, The Sun have reported.

Maloney burst into focus for Pompey's academy side last season, after netting 26 goals across the course of the campaign, despite his role in the wider areas of the pitch.

It is thought that Chelsea have now stepped up their interest in Maloney, following a string of glowing reports on the player from several independent scouts who have seen the winger impress in action for the League One club's development squad this season.

Frank Lampard's side, however, are set to face competition for Maloney's signature, as West Ham and Fulham are both also thought to be interested in a move for the 18-year-old, with the Hammers expecting big things from the youngster in the next few years.

Chelsea are currently under a transfer embargo, although the club are hopeful that that will be reduced in January in order to help them sign players such as Maloney.

As well as interest from England, Dutch second-tier outfit Volendam are also keen on Maloney, and are said to want to secure a deal for the teenager before he is snapped up by any of the bigger clubs interested.

Maloney made his senior debut for Kenny Jackett's side earlier this season, appearing as a second-half substitute during a 2-0 win over Southend United in the third round of Pompey's victorious EFL Trophy campaign.

There are just 12 months remaining on Maloney's current scholarship deal at Fratton Park, meaning Portsmouth are facing the prospect of losing him for just a small compensation fee if they do not tie him to a longer deal with the club.

The Verdict

This is going to be a big worry for Portsmouth.

Maloney's record is hugely impressive at any level, but to be making such an impact so early in his career is a huge indicator of his potential going forward, and it is not something that Pompey would particularly want to lose if they are to build their prospects for the future.

Even so, if clubs the size of Chelsea and West Ham do indeed make their moves, then you couldn't blame Maloney for wanting to take the opportunity of a move to the Premier League so early in his career.

With the teenager currently set to cost little more than a small compensation fee, there is no way there will be any monetary concerns over the deal for those sides linked with the winger, and you feel it would be a blow financially to Portsmouth as well, given the amounts of money that are often spent on young prospects these days.