By Sami Mokbel
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Thumbs up: Charlton manager Chris Powell will be keeping an eye on Joe Gomez's progress
Charlton wonderkid Joe Gomez was at the centre of attention among Barclays Premier League scouts on Thursday night.
The 15-year-old defender is being monitored by a host of top-flight clubs - including Liverpool, Chelsea, Arsenal and Manchester City.
And spies ran the rule over the teenager, whose ability has been described as 'off the scale', when he played for England Under 16s against Wales in Port Talbot.
The match itself was severely affected by adverse weather, but Gomez impressed at times and saw an effort cleared off the line in the second half.
Liverpool and Chelsea are understood to be leading the chase to land Gomez should the teenager decided to quit south London.
Pride of the Valley: Joe Gomez is highly thought of at Charlton
But the Addicks are confident the highly-rated youngster will sign professional terms at the Valley.
Charlton would be eligible for compensation should Gomez decide to leave for the Premier League.
SCOUTING REPORT: JOE GOMEZ
Gomez is a central defender with pace, but who can play. He purrs like a Rolls Royce and Charlton have long since recognised his ability.
He played for the U18 team aged 15 and is now (aged 16) is a regular in the older team.
He is good in the air, but his strength is on the ground and he has ability on the ball as he develops under former centre half Paul Hart, who played for Leeds, Nottingham Forest and Blackpool, among other clubs. Hart made 567 league appearances and is a good tutor for Gomez.
Charlton are proud of their youth development credentials and are confident they will keep him, but it's no surprise at the interest being shown.
So eager are Charlton to keep spies away from their star players, a false team sheet was put out for their FA Youth Cup quarter final against Manchester United at Old Trafford last season, when Sir Alex Ferguson was watching from the director's box.
Never heard of him. But if he wants to develop and get first team Liverpool would be the one. Just look at sterling,Suso,wisdom,Robinson,Kelly,shevley for us now.
- LFC4LIfe , London, United Kingdom, 02/11/2012 02:02
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