Sheffield Wednesday fend off Premier League interest to tie down Bailey Cadamarteri to pro deal

Hot prospect Bailey Cadamarteri has spoken of his delight after signing his first professional contract with Sheffield Wednesday. Several Premier League clubs, including Brentford and West Ham United, are thought to have been keeping close tabs on the young striker.

But Cadamarteri, the son of former Everton striker Danny Cadamarteri, has today committed his future to the League One club. The length of Cadamarteri's contract has not been divulged by the Owls.

The 17-year-old featured for the Owls' Under-18s and U23s teams last season. He played a big part in Andy Holdsworth's side reaching the FA Youth Cup fifth round.

Cadamarteri told the club's website: “I’m absolutely buzzing. It’s all you think about as a young kid, signing your first contract to be a professional footballer.

“It’s a big milestone in my career and my family are proud. I joined Wednesday at Under-9s, it’s a bumpy road and a lot of hard work goes into it, but I’m glad I can be at this point signing my first contract.

“Last season was a big one for me personally, scoring goals in the league and in the Youth Cup, the highlight being the Southampton game where the scenes were immense.

“The guys in the academy like Steven Haslam and Andy Holdsworth have been key to my progression this year, they’ve done a lot of work with me personally to help me get to this level and push me into the 18s and 23s, because they know I can handle it.

“It’s time to kick on and the hard work now gets harder. I’ve only scored one goal for the 23s and to add to that tally next season would be great.”

The teenager, who has been earmarked for the England youth setup, is keen to establish himself as a regular fixture in the 23s side next season. First team boss Darren Moore is