ALBION are reportedly battling it out with Chelsea in the pursuit of highly-rated Charlton Athletic goalkeeper James Beadle.

The 17-year-old goalkeeper, who is valued at £400,000, has recently made his breakthrough to the England under-21 side and is now attracting interest from Albion and the Blues.

Beadle is yet to make a senior appearance for the Addicks, but having impressed at youth levels for club and country, and according to The Sun the Blues are at the head of the queue for the youngster.

Beadle's contract situation at League One Charlton is tricky as he is coming to the end of his current deal with the club. This means that the Addicks will only receive a nominal fee in compensation due to their training of the goalkeeper.

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The Charlton chiefs are desperate to pocket as much as they can for the youngster and will hope their compensation fee reaches the £400,000 mark.

Albion currently are well placed in the goalkeeper position with Robert Sanchez, only 23-years-old and is the current first-choice after impressing since coming into the team.

Sanchez managed to displace long-term goalkeeper Maty Ryan, who has since left the club for Real Sociedad in Spain, is now a regular in the Spain squad and could become one of the top goalkeepers in the Premier League over the next few seasons if he continues to progress on his current form.

Graham Potter also has Jason Steele and Kjell Scherpen as the backup to the Spaniard. Scherpen joined the club from Ajax in the summer on a permanent deal and is only 21-years-old himself.

However, Beadle at only 17-years-old would be one for the future and if Albion manages to beat Chelsea to his signature and he would be likely be placed into the club's academy set-up to help further his development.