Chelsea reportedly face fresh competition for the signature of Parma midfielder Jose Mauri after Inter Milan boss Roberto Mancini watched him in action.
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Former Manchester City manager Mancini scouted the highly-rated 18-year-old in his side’s clash with Palermo, and the Serie A giants could enter the race to snap him up when the transfer window opens, according to journalist Gianluca Di Marzio’s website.
The Daily Express claims that Chelsea are one of several clubs to have identified the teenager as a summer target, with the west London outfit preparing to add more youth to the ranks and competition for places in the middle of the pitch.
Jose Mourinho’s men are marching towards the Premier League title, having drawn 0-0 at rivals Arsenal today, but are still ready to recruit talent from across the globe, backed by cash-rich owner Roman Abramovich.
Parma’s perilous financial position also puts Chelsea and the rest of the player’s admirers in a strong negotiation position, as the Italians are likely to embark on a fire sale of their most prized assets in the coming weeks and months.