Chelsea have joined the race for Leeds United sensation Lewis Cook as England's top five clubs close in, according to the Daily Star.

The 18-year-old is now recognised as one of England's top prospects after some thoroughly impressive performances for Leeds United and becoming an integral part of their first eleven.

Cook has been a pivotal figure for Neil Redfearn’s side this season, and the midfielder looks set to become a Premier League player in the very near future.

It is uncertain whether the club will actually sell the talented youngster in the summer, but Neil Redfearn's side would undoubtedly insist on selling the star for a significant transfer fee.

It won't be easy for the top clubs to land him, with Leeds boss Neil Redfearn admitting he won't want to sell the club's best players, telling a press conference this morning: 

"If we really mean business, then you don't sell your better players. You keep them.

"You always get that [speculation]. But you don't sell your best players and they want to be part of Leeds United."

 

Leeds have put a £12 million price tag on Cook in order to fend off interest and a Daily Star source at Leeds says he has a huge decision to make, saying: "Lewis knows he will have to leave Leeds to fulfil his ambitions.

"All the big clubs have been keeping close tabs on him and want him, so he will have his pick of the best and has a big decision to make.

"He's wonderful talent and Leeds have no chance of keeping him at Elland Road. It's just a matter of when, not if, he leaves and it should be quite a mad scramble this summer."

The youngster made his debut in August and has now made 37 appearances for Neil Redfearn's side, who sit in 14th spot in the Sky Bet Championship having accumulated 52 points this season.