Manchester City have been keeping a close eye on Bologna defender Riccardo Calafiori, according to The Athletic.
The Italian international has impressed while playing at the European Championship and there is likely to be a scramble for his services once his participation in the tournament comes to an end.
Calafiori has also been part of a Bologna team that finished 5th in Serie A last season, helping them to qualify for the Champions League for the first time.
He hadn’t played a competitive game for his country before the Euros but Italy boss Luciano Spalletti picked him in the starting eleven for the first two group fixtures.
Calafiori has been praised for his performances in Germany
The 22-year-old particularly impressed in the opening group match against Albania. In addition to the likes of Fabio Capello and Alessandro Del Piero praising the defender, Gianluca Zambrotta was the most complimentary, stating:
“He played an extraordinary game, like the whole team in the first 60 minutes. He played with personality, without fear, perhaps the only flaw was on the long ball where we took a risk with Donnarumma’s exit. But he showed some beautiful things yesterday.”
It must be said that Calafiori was somewhat less impressive against Spain on Thursday evening, although he was unfortunate with the own goal that he conceded.
City will have to battle Premier League rivals for Calafiori
Respected journalist Fabrizio Romano has confirmed that the likes of Chelsea, Liverpool, Newcastle and Tottenham have also been “scouting” the Italian.
However, City’s main rivals are likely to be Juventus. They have recently appointed Calafiori’s former manager Thiago Motta and he is keen on taking the centre-back with him to Turin.
Bologna have slapped a €40m (£34m) price tage on the player, which may cause some problems for Juve, so we shall see who wins the race for his signature.
