Robin Bairner
Enzo Maresca, Chelsea
© IMAGO
Chelsea are ready to step up their pursuit of a high-class centre-back this summer, with the Stamford Bridge side looking to the Eredivisie for Feyenoord’s David Hancko.
The Slovakian defender has been in the spotlight of Serie A club for some time, but now seems to have caught the eye of some of England’s biggest teams.
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Chelsea are keeping a close eye on the situation surrounding Hancko. The London club sees the Feyenoord defender as a potential reinforcement for the coming summer, TEAMtalk" href="https://www.teamtalk.com/chelsea/sources-blues-make-contact-42-million-eredivisie-star-tottenham-euro-giants-circle" target="_blank">TEAMtalk reports.
But the Blues are not the only ones who have an eye on the Slovakian stopper. Tottenham Hotspur and two European giants are also eyeing his signature.
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Battle for Hancko flares up
In December it was already announced that Chelsea and Tottenham were in the race for Hancko. Since then both clubs have further increased their interest, especially Chelsea. Enzo Maresca's team initially kept their distance but have now actually made contact to gather more information about the defender.
According to sources, Chelsea and Tottenham are the two Premier League clubs most concretely in the market for Hancko currently. Both teams will continue to monitor him in the coming weeks before making a final decision on a possible transfer.
Stiff competition comes from abroad. Atletico Madrid and Juventus also have their sights set on Hancko. The Spaniards, in particular, are not wasting any time. According to TEAMtalk , Atleti have taken important steps in recent days and has even contacted Feyenoord to explore the possibilities of a move. The Spanish giants are now preparing for official negotiations with the Rotterdammers.
David Hancko
© IMAGO - David Hancko
Feyenoord stand firm
Feyenoord are aware of the interest in Hancko but have taken a clear position on his price tag.
The Eredivisie side want at least €50m before a deal for the Slovakian can be discussed. That asking price will become an important factor in the negotiations in the coming months, especially now that several top clubs are reporting for the defender.
It promises to be an interesting summer for Hancko and Feyenoord. The coming weeks will show whether Chelsea, Tottenham, Atletico Madrid or Juventus are prepared to dig deep into their pockets to bring in the Slovakian.