Nottingham Forest have signed highly-rated teenager Joel Thompson, according to a report in Ireland.
The Northern Ireland under-17 international has agreed a "long-term contract" with Forest after the Reds fought off competition from Hull City for the prospect's signature.
According to our colleagues at BelfastLive, Thompson is "set to be unveiled" as a Red in due course. Forest were "determined" to get him on the books and managed to see the deal through.
The 16-year-old caught the attention of clubs across England with his performances for Irish League side Crusaders, for whom he made his first team debut 14 months ago. NottinghamshireLive understands at least one other Premier League club was keen on signing Thompson.
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His arrival at Forest will see him link up with countrymen Dale Taylor, Aaron Donnelly and Jamie McDonnell. BelfastLive also report that McDonnell, 18, is "closing in" on a new contract at the City Ground, following in the footsteps of striker Dale Taylor.
Taylor put pen to paper on a three-year deal last week and there are high hopes for the 18-year-old, who made his Championship debut under Steve Cooper last summer. Forest's Category One academy is well renowned and it will not be long before the likes of Brennan Johnson, Ryan Yates and Joe Worrall are joined by fellow academy graduates in the first team.
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