Ipswich Town sign Charlie Wood from Needham Market after trial with Bournemouth and interest from Charlton Athletic and Stoke City

Ipswich Town have completed the signing of Charlie Wood from non-league outfit Needham Market.

The 17-year-old midfielder has been the subject of interest from numerous professional clubs over the course of the season – and his stock rose further in February when he netted his first senior goal for the Marketmen during the 4-0 win over Oxford City aged just 16.

Charlton Athletic and Stoke City have both previously been credited with an interest, while Premier League outfit Bournemouth took the youngster on trial in March.

The Cherries subsequently called Wood back for a second week-long spell on the south coast, but it has now been revealed that he has signed a three-year deal with Ipswich.

His agents, Dominance Sports Group, announced the deal on their Instagram page: “Charlie Wood has completed his transfer to Premier League side Ipswich Town from National League North side Needham Market, signing a three-year professional contract.”

Speaking around the time of Wood’s trial at Bournemouth, Needham boss Tom Rothery said: “He is only 16, he has shown he is a good player but, to be honest, it seems quite quick.

“I’ve only had a look at him over the past three weeks around our team but he had shown some promising signs.

“If I’m trying to take my Needham hat off and put my professional one on, he has got potential and some physical attributes with his size that they might think they can mould into what they want out of him.”

Alongside appearing in the first team, Wood also featured on 20 occasions – scoring three goals – for Needham Market’s Thurlow Nunn League First Division North reserve side this season.