ONE of the most promising young footballers in Dorset has signed a professional contract with former Premier League champions Leicester City.

Lewis McNab, 15, is Weymouth born and bred and signed for the Foxes after they beat off strong competition from a host of other clubs, including Southampton and Bournemouth.

Budmouth student McNab also attracted serious interest from Leicester’s top-flight rivals Nottingham Forest.

However, the player’s representatives, Optimum Sports Management, felt the pathway at Leicester was well-suited to McNab given a lack of competition for the gloves in his age range.

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McNab duly impressed on a week’s trial at Seagrave, Leicester’s £100m state-of-the-art training complex, and has now signed a two-year professional contract.

Commenting on McNab’s move, Weymouth’s youth section took to Facebook to congratulate the teenage custodian.

“Lewis has worked extremely hard to get this opportunity and we are so excited to see him rewarded,” the Terras said.

“We wish you the very best Lewis and we look forward to following you along your journey!”

And McNab is progressing speedily following his move, training with Leicester’s under-21s already.

So highly rated is McNab, the teenager is being tipped for a future international call-up and sponsors are also interested in signing him up.

Leicester were alerted to McNab’s availability after his previous club, Exeter City, released him last year.

McNab was first scouted by Optimum director Ali McGivney while playing for Weymouth Cougars aged eight.

Meanwhile, Weymouth's first team will play the Dorset Senior Cup final at Poole Town on Wednesday, March 8.

The fixture comes 24 hours after the Terras are due to play Chippenham Town in the Vanarama National League South, raising the probability of a much-changed side for the Terras.