Thomas Frank’s Brentford are reportedly preparing to go head to head with Premier League side Crystal Palace to try and sign Southend United’s midfield prodigy Dru Yearwood, according to TEAMtalk.
18-year-old midfielder Dru Yearwood has been a mainstay in Southend United’s midfield since his breakthrough into the League One side at the start of last season, attracting interest from some of England’s top sides.
However, his stay at Roots Hall could be set to come to an end in the January transfer window. Premier League side Crystal Palace are looking at bringing in Yearwood, as manager Roy Hodgson turns his attention to bringing in young talent to help develop and bring into the first team. Palace have reportedly been tracking the youngster for several months now, and could make a move in January.
Brentford – a club highly regarded for bringing young talent up from the lower end of the Football League – are also reportedly tracking the centre-midfielder, and The Bees are looking to pip The Eagles to the post by bringing in Yearwood.
Yearwood joined The Shrimpers at the age of 11 in 2011, and has spent his entire career at Roots Hall. He made his debut for Southend in August 2017, starting against Newport County in a 2-0 EFL Cup defeat. The 18-year-old went on to play 28 times last season, picking up five assists as the League One side finished 10th.
In the early stages of this season, the youngster has made nine appearances and assisted two goals, but is still waiting to score his first senior goal.
