Crystal Palace expect to beat off the advances of Chelsea, Arsenal and Barcelona to hold on to 15-year-old wonderkid John Bostock.

Although he does not turn 16 until next Tuesday, Bostock has already made five appearances for the Selhurst Park outfit.

There were fears that he could be prised away from Selhurst Park on his 16th birthday, but the Croydon Guardian understands Palace are in pole position to sign Bostock on his first professional contract.

Eagles chief Neil Warnock has been working hard behind the scenes to ensure the talented midfielder stays at the club - but last month admitted Bostock's future was out of his hands with so many of the country's top clubs circling round the whizzkid.

But Bostock's future looks to have been resolved with Palace thought to be confident of securing his signature.

Meanwhile, the SE25 club have been dealt a double boost ahead of this Saturday's trip to Wolves after 17-year-old's Shaun Scannell and Lee Hills both signed deals with the club.

Scannell and Hills had been linked with moves to Manchester City and Portsmouth respectively - but the teenage duo have ended speculation regarding their futures by signing on the dotted line.

And former Whitgift School student Hills found it hard to hide his delight at signing the deal.

"I'm very excited by it all, said Hills.

"It gives me some stability for the next two-and-a-half years so hopefully I can cement my first-team place.

"I don't know anything about Portsmouth's interest - I just saw it in the papers.

"But I'm really happy here and I want to stay."

Hills fledgling football career hs really taken off under Warnock's guidance and the youngster admits the Yorkshireman has helped him make the step up to the first team.

"He always tells me to play with a smile on your face and enjoy it.

"And that fills me with confidence to go out and play."