An unprecedented transfer battle is emerging between the so-called Premier League “Big Four” as well as Tottenham and Aston Villa over Ipswich Town striker Connor Wickham .

A report in the Mail on Sunday today claims: "Manchester United, Arsenal, Liverpool and Chelsea will be involved in an unprecedented scramble to sign 16-year-old striker Connor Wickham from Ipswich in January. Wickham, the youngest first-team player in Ipswich's history, is regarded in the game as the most exciting young Englishman to emerge since Wayne Rooney."

Joe Bernstein adds: "Colchester-born Wickham is already 6ft 3in and has still to agree a contract at Ipswich, leaving them vulnerable to approaches from the big clubs. Although Ipswich would be in line for compensation, a fee would have to be decided by tribunal should all parties be unable to agree a figure.”

Wickham is 6.3ft and became the youngest ever debutant at Ipswich Town at the back end of 2008/2009. This season he has played seven games in the Championship and claimed a brace against Shrewsbury in the Carling Cup in August.

The 16-year-old striker has also impressed for the England Under-17 side, scoring a hat-trick against Azerbaijan in a 4-0 win in October. Wickham turns 17 on March 31, 2010.