Derby County face opposition from Premier League Southampton in the race for the services of Lincoln City's 18-year-old midfielder, Ellis Chapman.

Lincolnshire Live reports that Chapman is a target for both clubs, as well as Championship strugglers Wigan Athletic, despite his lack of first team experience at Lincoln City.

The youngster signed his first professional deal in 2017/18, making his first league start for the Imps at the beginning of this season. In total he's played five times in League Two, twice from the start and three times as a sub.

He spent the second part of the season on loan with Chesterfield in the National League, where he appeared 14 times and earned rave reviews.

Chapman began his career with Lincoln, but move to Leicester City as a young teenager, before heading back to his hometown club under Danny and Nicky Cowley.

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He played a role in their narrow 2-1 FA Cup third round defeat at Goodison Park in January and has been earmarked as one for the future by the Imps' boss.

The Verdict

Chapman has been Lincoln's best-kept secret.

He's growing in confidence and stature with every minute of senior football and he's expected to play a role in their League One campaign next season.

Knowing how Danny Cowley works, he'll be hoping to get a fee for Chapman and then a loan back, if he's willing to part with his prized asset at all.