Big interest in Bairns starlet

United and Chelsea check on Falkirk youngster

Last updated: 17th July 2008

Big interest in Bairns starlet

Arfield: Hot prospect

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Manchester United and Chelsea are among the clubs chasing Falkirk starlet Scott Arfield, skysports.com understands.

The 19-year-old midfielder has shone for the Bairns since breaking into the first team in 2007, and has been called into the Scotland Under 21 set-up.

He is recognised as one of the best young players in Scotland, and the Old Firm are monitoring his progress, but the big interest is coming from South of the border.

Skysports.com understands up to 12 clubs from the Premier League and Championship are regularly checking on him and Falkirk could face a battle to keep him at the club.

Arfield is, though, on a long-term contract after penning a five-year deal earlier this year, but with United and Chelsea leading the chase, the Bairns could easily cash in on their prized asset.

Chelsea's interest emerged at the end of last season, but United have been tracking the midfielder for over a year and Sir Alex Ferguson is understood to have personally checked on Arfield last season.