West Ham United have entered into talks with Bristol Rovers over a possible move for their highly-rated defender Michael Kelly, according to Football Insider.

Millwall and Crystal Palace are also thought to be tracking Kelly, who has 13 League One starts to his name this season. He's made 22 outings in total for the Gas, but is now the subject of intense scrutiny by bigger clubs.

The Kilmarnock-born left back began his career as a youth with Aberdeen, before being released to play for Scottish Juniors side Hurlford. From there he had trials with Stoke City, but Darrell Clarke offered him a deal with Rovers, which he accepted.

He's capped up to Scotland Under 17 level and has spent a short time out on loan with Bath City, but this season he's thrived in a struggling Gas side and come to the attention of a number of scouts.

Rovers, managed by Graham Coughlan, have improved since dismissing Darrell Clarke and are now 20th in League One, just outside the drop zone.

The Verdict

This is one of those moves that fans of the Premier League club will dismiss quickly, but that could pay dividends in a couple of seasons. Kelly has been impressive for Bristol Rovers during a tough spell for them and is surely to move on to one of the chasing clubs.

Of the three, West Ham would surely be the right destination. He's not likely to break through at Millwall and the Hammers academy is well-known as one that develops players well.