Rafael Benitez
Chelsea are favourites to beat Manchester United to teenage strikers Hervin Ongenda and Marko Dabro Reuters

Chelsea and Manchester United are set to battle it out for teenage strikers Hervin Ongenda and Marko Dabro, according to the Metro.

Ondenga, 17, plays for Ligue 1 club Paris St Germain's (PSG) U19 side and is also reportedly interesting another Premier League giant in Arsenal. Croatian youngster Dabro, meanwhile, is also sought after by Italian champions Juventus. The Turin club, the report adds, have already had one bid - of £600,000 - rejected. The player's club, Cibalia, want £2m for the U17 international.

Among the interested clubs, the Blues are expected to lodge official bids for the pair within the next few days. This comes after the European champions tied Conor Hunte, a Manchester City target, to a long-term contract. The west London club appear keen to boost the level of talent in their youth system, so as to keep a check on future transfer spending; particularly with UEFA's Financial Fair Play (FFP) regulations on the horizon.

Brunt Praises Lukaku

Meanwhile, West Brom captain Christ Brunt has praised Belgium youngster Romelu Lukaku. The 19-year-old joined the Baggies on loan from Stamford Bridge in the summer and will remain at the Hawthorns through to the end of the season.

Lukaku has scored seven goals from as many starts in the league this season (19 appearances in all) and is now Steve Clarke's side's top scorer.

"Romelu has been confirmed as staying here for the season which is great news. He's come into his own during the last month. He's been consistently hitting the net in the last few weeks, even when we've not played that well, and the more he plays, the better and better he'll get," Brunt explained, adding, "People forget Rom is only a young lad, he's still learning the game but he's a real handful."

Red Devils Loan Youngsters

Finally, United have confirmed academy players Davide Petrucci and Scott Wootton will join Championship side Peterborough United on loan. Petrucci has been loaned for a month, while Wootton will remain with the Posh till the end of the season.

Peterborough are 21st in the Championship, with 25 points from 26 games and only goal difference separates them from Sheffield Wednesday in the drop zone.

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