Premier League champions Chelsea have joined the long list of clubs monitoring Sittingbourne defender Lex Allan.

The Blues were out of luck when they sent a scout to Brickies' FA Trophy tie at Ashford on Saturday, with the 6ft 7in centre-half an unused substitute.

But armed with the knowledge he will be starting when Sittingbourne host Merstham in the League Cup tomorrow, they are set to try again.

Allan has already trained with Millwall and there's an offer on the table to spend a week with Crystal Palace.

Midlands rivals Aston Villa and Birmingham, along with QPR, Fulham and Reading are among the other clubs said to be looking at the 18-year-old, who is in his first season of senior football.

Sittingbourne manager Nick Davis said: "It's absolutely unbelievable.

"I Googled Lex's name last night and couldn't believe how much word has spread - he was everywhere.

"That much publicity for a non-league player doesn't happen.

"Chelsea are one of the latest clubs we've heard about.

"Apparently they've just signed two non-league players for their under-23s and now they're looking at Lex as well.

"They were there on Saturday, as were QPR, and if I told you six scouts will be at the game tomorrow night, it would be an understatement.

"Crystal Palace are coming, they want him to train with them for a week and are keen to get the ball rolling on that.

"You don't know but apparently all these clubs - Chelsea, Fulham, QPR, Villa, Birmingham, Reading, I think Doncaster's another one - will all be watching because they know Lex is playing."