Sheffield United could be set to battle some heavyweights of Europe in the race to land highly-rated German, Armel Bella-Kotchap.
The Blades are reportedly amongst a host of clubs looking at the 18-year-old. Bella-Kotchap has been making waves with VFL Bochum this season, impressing onlookers despite making just eight appearances so far.
And according to reports from The Sun, the Blades, along with the likes of Chelsea, Real Madrid, and Wolves, are keen on landing the teenager.
It is believed Bochum could be willing to cash in on their young defender. Bella-Kotchap recent signed a new deal until 2024 with the German outfit, which means Bochum would be entitled to a sizeable fee should they agree to sell.
The Blades, meanwhile, have already shown they are willing to shop abroad for talent. They signed Sander Berge in the January window while they also raided Bayer Leverkusen for Panos Retsos. Richairo Zivkovic also arrived on loan after a spell in China.
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However, Chris Wilder will, as usual, be aware of the spending power the aforementioned clubs possess. The Blades would surely, then, look to lure Bella-Kotchap to Bramall Lane with a promise of more regular first-team opportunities.
Battling with the big boys
While there will always be players linked with moves and some will be just rumours, it’s nice to see the Blades being mentioned among such prestigious names of the game.
If the Blades are scouting players that the likes of Madrid, Chelsea, and PSG want, then it shows they must be doing something right. It’s clear already that Bella-Kotchap will be a man in demand come the summer.
At just 18, clubs will be looking to snap him up early doors on a long-term deal.
Despite the youngster putting in some good performances, Bochum are struggling in Bundesliga 2. They sit 15th at the moment and are far from the giant of German football they were a few decades ago.
Bella-Kotchap, then, might just fancy getting out as quickly as he can.