West Ham end interest in Portsmouth youngster - but Brighton and Watford remain keen

But the Pompey youngster is still lined up for trials at Brighton and Watford.

The 18-year-old had been training with the Premier League high-fliers after being informed of his Fratton Park release.

Bell, who appeared three times for Pompey’s first-team this season, was told earlier this month that he would not be offered a contract at the end of his two-year scholarship.

He was swiftly approached by West Ham who were keen to run the rule over him with their under-23 set-up.

However, the Hammers have decided against recruiting the former Mayfield School pupil and he has returned to the south coast.

There remains interest in Bell, though, with fellow Premier League sides Brighton and Watford keen to take a look.

Dave Wright is Brighton’s Academy recruitment manager, having held a similar position at Fratton Park until November 2018.

He is an admirer of Bell’s talents and has fixed him up with the chance to impress in their under-23s.

Meanwhile, Watford, who last week secured their return to the Premier League, have an Academy and under-23s overseen by former Arsenal and Cambridge striker Omer Riza.

A message from the Editor, Mark Waldron

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