The competition for the brightest young talents in academy football has now reached the level tat Chelsea have banned scouts from two of their biggest rivals from attending youth games.
It follows the departure of highly rated Rio Ngumoha, who moved to Liverpool in the summer.
And now Chelsea have banned representatives from Liverpool and Chelsea from attending games featuring their academy side, with Liverpool taking retaliatory action.
Premier League rules stipulate that scouts are free to attend youth games, provided that adequate notice is given, and suitable identification is produced.
With the need to produce a certain number of homegrown players a requirement for those looking to play in international competition, and well as the desire to potentially save clubs hundreds of millions in transfer fees, teams are prepared to go to any length to protect the best of their young talent.
The fact that players are not able to sign their first professional contracts until they reach the age of 18 also makes them vulnerable to approaches from other clubs.
