Chase on for Matic

18 June 2009 12:12
Up to seven English clubs are chasing Serbian starlet Nemanja Matic, skysports.com understands. The 20-year-old - who has already made his debut for the senior Serbia side - is currently in Sweden competing in the European Under 21 Championship. He featured in the opening game against Italy, but his tournament looks to be over after he broke his foot. But despite his injury he impressed a number of scouts watching him. Allen Bula - head of Football Development at this club MFK Kosice - has confirmed that five English clubs are ready to open talks, although a number of clubs have already lodged bids. "MFK Kosice have received offers from CSKA Moscow, Genoa and Udinese," he told skysports.com. "There are also five Premiership clubs which have contacted us and I will have meetings with them this week in Sweden. "We have agreed with Matic that although we do not want to lose him, we will agree a transfer soon before we play in the Uefa Europa League so he is not cup-tied. "Like I said no offer has been accepted yet." Matic spent time on trial at Middlesbrough in January and they wanted to sign him, but could not agree terms with Kosice at the time. Boro remain interested, whilst it is thought Aston Villa, Fulham, Tottenham and Birmingham are also keen. Reports in Slovakia also claim that Chelsea and Manchester United are ready to join the chase for Matic, but Bula would not confirm which English sides wanted the promising starlet.

Source: SKY_Sports