Arsenal are favourites to snap up Charlton Athletic defender Carl Jenkinson.
The London Evening Standard says the 19-year-old only returned on loan from Conference side Eastbourne Borough in December but has attracted interest from a number of top?flight clubs.
Jenkinson is thought to prefer the Gunners and although he would be out of contract, Charlton would still receive compensation because he is under 24.
Manager Chris Powell claimed Jenkinson had been on the brink of signing before changing his mind.
"There has been a U-turn," he said.
"It's a real shame because he has been with us since he was nine and he'd played one first-team game before I came in. I'm extremely disappointed. It seems he has had some outside influence and been pressed not to sign."
