PSV Eindhoven are facing a major struggle to hang on to wonderkid Zakaria Bakkali, with seven teams now reportedly in the hunt for his signature.
Barcelona, and the English quartet of Chelsea, Liverpool, Arsenal and Manchester United are all chasking Bakkali, dubbed the ‘new Eden Hazard’.
And, with Atletico Madrid and Borussia Dortmund also expressing interest, the chase for the youngster is sure to be frenetic.
The Belgian international’s contract is up at the end of the season, and the Dutch side may decide the time may be right to cash in.
Barcelona are resigned to losing Pedro, possibly to Juventus, and are targeting Bakkali as a long-term replacement.
PSV’s Sporting Director Marcel Brands recently admitted that the club are bracing themselves for the exit of one of their brightest prospects.
He said: “Of course it’s bad for the club.
“But I think it’s actually worse for the player himself. It is a shame that a young player with talent does not choose the right path.
“People might think I am naive but I don’t blame the guy or his father.
“The problem is that Zakaria is getting influenced by everything and everyone around him.”
Steve Osborne @SteveOsborne23
