Report: Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United scout Lille teenager Jean-Pierre Longonda

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Reports in Europe suggest there is Premier League interest in Jean-Pierre Longonda. According to Foot Mercato, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United have all scouted Lille midfielder Longonda in action.

Longonda currently plays for LOSC Lille – the French top division club – although he has not made his first-team debut yet. Lille rate the youngster highly but they could be set to lose him.

The 17-year-old is not tied down to a professional contract by Lille and clubs across Europe want to poach him. He has an offer from a Serie A club with the teenager weighing up his options. Longonda is reportedly tempted to take up this offer.

If he chooses not to stay at Lille or take his career to Italy, he is likely to have other options. Longonda has been watched by Schalke and clubs from Belgium, who could firm up their interest.

Then, there are the three Premier League sides who have scouted Longonda. The Belgium U17 international was watched by Chelsea, Liverpool and Man United last season and they could move for him as one for the future.

TBR’s view

This could be a low-cost risk that pays off for one of these English sides. Longonda is compared to Abou Diaby in this article, suggesting he is an energetic, tough-tackling and tenacious defensive midfielder.

These English clubs may need to act quickly, though. It seems the unnamed Italian top-flight club are pressing ahead to get this one over the line.