According to reports from Calcio Mercato, Chelsea have been scouting ‘the new Marco Verratti’, whilst The Daily Mail claim Bournemouth’s Matt Ritchie is on Manchester United’s winger shortlist.
According to Italian publication Calcio Mercato, the Blues’ chief scout watched midfield prospect Stefano Sensi in action for Cesena on Sunday night, against Serie B rivals Bari.
Sensi is just 20 years of age and has already been compared to Italy international Marco Verratti, who is widely regarded as one of the top playmakers in world football. Chelsea’s chief scout was joined by sporting directors from Napoli, AC Milan and Inter Milan in running the rule over the Italy U20 last weekend, whilst Nerazzurri manager Roberto Mancini was also present.
Meanwhile, The Daily Mail have substantiated prior reports from The Sun regarding Manchester United’s interest in Bournemouth midfielder Matt Ritchie.
The Scotland international was the driving force behind the Cherries’ promotion to the top flight last season, claiming 15 goals and 17 assists in 46 Championship appearances, and has continued to impress in the Premier League. He’s scored twice in twelve outings – including a Goal of the Month contender against Sunderland.
Like The Sun, The Daily Mail claim the 26-year-old has made it onto Louis van Gaal’s shortlist of wingers potentially available in the January transfer window. However, he’s primarily considered a back-up option, behind the likes of Leicester City’s Riyad Mahrez, Southampton’s Sadio Mane and Ajax’s Anwar El Ghazi.