Town have added Sammy Moore, a promising 16-year-old midfielder to their academy ranks. Moore has left Chelsea, who paid £20,000 compensation to Charlton when they signed him in 2002.

The Dover schoolboy impressed Town in a couple of U16 and U19 games and the Blues have offered him a three-year academy scholarship. With Chelsea's wealth giving their youngsters few chances to shine, Moore decided that his career might progress further if he moved to Portman Road, Chelsea allowing him to leave without demanding a fee.

Academy director Bryan Klug says Town have had their eye on Moore for some while: “Sammy first caught our attention when we played against Chelsea a few months ago.

“He is a combative midfielder with a lot of ability and the desire to make himself a really good player.

“He has all the attributes we are looking for in a young player. We believe he can develop over the next two years and progress in the way that many others have done before.”

Moore was with Charlton as a 14-year-old but moved to Chelsea, the Addicks demanding £50,000 but having to settle for £20,000.

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