Chelsea have announced the signing of Southampton goalkeeper Eddie Beach.

The 18-year-old will join the academy for an undisclosed fee.

Beach is highly rated and Chelsea reportedly beat a number of interested clubs to the teenager's signature.

He has represented Wales at Under-19 level, have made 20 appearances in all competitions for Southampton U18s last season as they came top of the Premier League South last season. The young Saints side then lost to Manchester City in the National Final.

Beach was even rewarded with an outing for the U23s.

Jim Fraser, Chelsea's assistant head of youth development and head of youth recruitment, told the club's official website: "We are very pleased to bring Eddie to the club.

“He is a talented goalkeeper with good potential and will join our development squad for the coming season."