DEAL youngster Sammy Moore has won a three-year scholarship with Ipswich Town Football Club.

The 16-year-old Dover College pupil, who lives in Vlissingen Drive, Deal, was offered a place at the First Division club's youth academy after being given a trial in several recent under-19 and under-16 matches at Portman Road.

His father, Henry, said: "We are delighted because we think Ipswich are just the right club for Sammy. Derby were also interested in him but everyone at Ipswich made us feel so welcome when we went up there, and they have got a great record of bringing on young players.

"Sammy will have a much better chance (of making the grade) with Ipswich than he would with a Premiership club."

Sammy has been on Chelsea's books for the past two years but his playing opportunities at Stamford Bridge have become increasingly limited now that the mega-rich Blues are bringing in talented youngsters from all over the globe.

Chelsea had to pay Charlton £20,000 compensation when they signed Sammy on schoolboy forms two years ago, but they have said they will not demand similar compensation from Ipswich.

Sammy will attend college one day a week as part of his scholarship, and he will also take an FA coaching course so that he will have a coaching career to fall back on if he doesn't make it as a player.