Norwich and West Ham are reportedly trailing Reading's teenage sensation Michael Hector, who has been dubbed the "new Chris Smalling".

The stylish 19-year-old defender is currently on-loan at Barnet where his composed displays are earning him rave reviews from scouts.

Reading snapped up the central defender from non-league Thurrock and he has since progressed through their Scholarship programme to earn a professional contract.

However, the Royals have been keen to refine his callow ability and have farmed him out to several non-league clubs to gain first-team experience to accelerate his progress.

Barnet are currently reaping the benefits of his calm assured performances at the heart of their defence and he has become a firm favourite at Underhill.

Hector's contract with the Royals is set to run out this summer and should he fail to agree an extension, interested parties would have to pay a minimal compensation fee as he is under 24.