PREMIER LEAGUE giants Manchester United and Chelsea have got their eyes on Hellas Verona youngster Marash Kumbulla.
They’re not alone though because Serie A’s Juventus are also reported to be keen on the 19-year-old.
Manchester United, Chelsea and Juventus are interested in signing Hellas Verona young defender Marash KumbullaCredit: Rex Features
The Albanian defender only made his Serie A debut at the start of the season but has emerged as one of the league’s finest young players.
His talent has gained the attention of several other Italian clubs including Atalanta, Inter Milan and Napoli, as well as Germans Red Bull Leipzig.
Scouts were reportedly sent to watch him in action as Verona beat Genoa 2-1 yesterday.
It’s claimed that German side RB Leipzig have tabled an offer of around £13m to get the ball rolling.
Verona are keen to cash in on the young star, but still recognise that he has become an important part of the team.
He has now made 13 appearances across all competitions, scoring one goal in his 1,106 minutes on the pitch.
RED DEVILS’ DIRE DEFENCE
United will be hoping they can win the fight for Kumbulla, as they continue to suffer from poor defensive form.
Despite a backline worth £186m, the Red Devils only managed to keep four clean sheets in 22 Premier League games this season.
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer’s men recently fell to a 3-1 Carabao Cup first leg defeat at Old Trafford to rivals Manchester City.
The Norwegian spoke after that game saying it was the worst he has ever seen his team play: ”From their goal until half-time it’s the worst we’ve played.
”Before then, it could’ve gone either way, a goal, but that doesn’t matter now”.
The second leg takes place on January 29 with Marcus Rashford’s strike offering a ray of hope the tie can be overturned.
Frank Lampard’s Chelsea are also looking to strengthen their defence and Kumbulla, who is also able to play in defensive midfield, is an option as well.
N’Golo Kante is being pushed further up field, with Jorginho and Mateo Kovacic’s defensive capabilities lacking.
The Blues have a big budget to work with, after being banned from signing anyone last summer.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
