Chelsea looking to beat Manchester United and Manchester City in race to sign 16-year-old prodigy: Reports

Chelsea are reportedly in the race to sign talented South African striker Emile Witbooi from Cape Town City. The 16-year-old is on a month-long trial at Chelsea's training facility at Cobham, and a decision regarding his future can be expected soon, according to the Daily Mail.

As per the same report, Manchester United are also interested in signing this young player, as are Manchester City. However, Chelsea appear to have an upper hand given that Witbooi's trial was arranged by Joe Shields, who is Chelsea's co-director of recruitment and talent.

If things do fall into place for Chelsea, Witbooi can add to the ranks of successful strikers the club has had from Africa. While Ivorian Didier Drogba is perhaps the most successful of the lot, their current centre-forward Nicolas Jackson too hails from the continent (Senegal).

Drogba won four Premier League titles, four FA Cups, three EFL Cups, and a UEFA Champions League during his time at Stamford Bridge, and is one of the biggest legends to have graced the club. Jackson, meanwhile, has scored six goals and bagged three assists in the 11 league matches he has played this season.

Chelsea will next take on Leicester City in the Premier League

Chelsea, under new manager Enzo Maresca, have displayed bouts of stability that were missing under their previous bosses. They are, as a result, ranked in the third position of the Premier League table with 19 points to their name. The Blues next take on Leicester City away from home on Saturday, November 23.

Chelsea have won five out of the 11 matches they have played this season in the league, and will be keen on adding to that tally. They have drawn four and lost the other two matches. The Blues have scored a whopping 21 goals this season, but also conceded a hefty 13 so far.

​