Dartford FC Academy prospect Olly Box is set to move to West Ham United in the summer, with the Europa Conference League holders edging the competition for the 18-year-old’s signature.

HITC previously reported that David Moyes’ side held interest, with the likes of Crystal Palace, Brentford and Millwall also monitoring Box’s progress. Brentford notably completed the signing of Bromley starlet Ben Krauhaus in January.

Kent Sports News understands that Box has chosen to move to the London Stadium, with the transfer being completed following the season’s conclusion. This will be the highest profile departure from the Darts academy since Martial Godo, who moved to Fulham in 2022.

The versatile attacking midfielder will likely join up with West Ham’s academy sides, potentially playing with the likes of Oliver Scarles and Callum Marshall.

Box was handed his first senior contract ahead of the 2023/24 campaign, and a host of impressive performances in preseason saw him make the matchday squad on a number of occasions once the league season began.

His progression in his breakthrough season has not necessarily been linear. He went on loan briefly to Margate, where he lined up next to Dartford Academy coach Ben Greenhalgh, and also still featured for the club’s title winning Under 19s side.

In February, he was awarded his first start in the National League South by interim manager and youth department director Tony Burman. Fittingly, he scored on debut in a 2-1 win over Dover and netted a brace in his next game away to Slough.

The 18-year-old has been a shining light in a largely dull season for the Darts and has grasped the challenge of a relegation battle with all the maturity of a seasoned professional. With four goals in six starts, he was bound to attract attention from the top clubs in and around the area.