Chelmsford City's prolific young goal scorer Tesfaye Bramble was expected to sign for Premier Division Tottenham Hotspur on Friday.

The news meant the young striker could have played his last game for City in Saturday's home league match against Folkestone Invicta at Billericay.

The promising 18-year-old was due to meet Spurs' Director of Football, David Pleat, and their youth manager Colin Murphy, along with City manager, Gary Bellamy, and City chairman, Peter Stroud.

A deal was to be thrashed out with City receiving as yet an undisclosed but reasonable initial fee, involving several thousands of pounds, with further monies coming their way later, subject to the player's progress towards the first team.

The City boss said on Thursday: "Spurs told us on Tuesday that they have made up their minds, they have seen enough and want him now so it's now a question of us all sitting down together and sorting out the final details.''

City had hoped to retain Bramble's services for the rest of the season but it seems that Spurs, realising he is still 18 and eligible for their Football Academy side this season, want him full time.

The Ipswich-based youngster, who has netted 19 goals for City this season, will be too old for the Academy side next season, so he will probably be sent out on loan by Spurs to a Conference League side as part of his development.

The encouraging news for City supporters was that all of the current young players have signed to play for the club next season.

"This is really encouraging as they have matured this season and we are now beginning to reap the work we have put in,'' said the manager.

Sacked winger Christian McCann has had his City contract cancelled and this week as expected signed for Baldock.

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