Lyle Della-Verde; another Shrimpers starlet on the move
According to Fulham fansite http://hammyend.com, the Cottagers have seen off Wolves to win the race to sign the Shrimpers exciting teen winger Lyle Della-Verde, sadly moving on before the club could get his signature on to a first professional contract.
Though nothing on the official site, the club quite rightly want a six-figure fee and a healthy sell-on clause, the lad himself has said on twitter, and where else;
@Dellaverde32: 'Officially signed for Fulham! Keep updated fans'
Now, you can't argue with that!
Having only signed on a Southend United scholarship he has worked with Head of Youth Ricky Duncan since being released by Tottenham Hotspur and joining the club's Centre of Excellence as a 12-year-old after being spotted at an open trial.
Della-Verde certainly left his mark with several strong displays in the young Shrimpers march to the fifth round of the FA Youth Cup last season, while he also scored against both Wolves and Norwich City in the recent Cars4All Trophy at Roots Hall which the under-18 side won brilliantly.
Blues boss Paul Sturrock has handed Della-Verde a place on the first-team bench on three occasions with the view to handing him a pro contract Cottagers manager Martin Jol has jumped ahead of the queue.
Lyle would now join Medi Abalimba, Femi Orenuga, Dominic Iorfa and Michael Ngoo on leaving the Shrimpers youth ranks to all try their luck at a higher level.
Cottagers fight off Wolves: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
Shrimpers sign Lyle on a scholarship: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk
We are the Champions my friend: www.southendunited-mad.co.uk