Chelsea and Manchester United have reportedly fallen short in their attempts to sign 18-year-old Croatian centre-back Leon Jakirovic from Dinamo Zagreb.
According to a report by TEAMtalk, Chelsea and Manchester United have been interested in Leon Jakirovic. The two Premier League clubs are keen on reinforcing their youth ranks by signing a promising young centre-back. So, the 18-year-old Dinamo Zagreb wonderkid emerged as a target for them. However, the youngster has turned them down, picking Inter Milan as his next destination.
Who is Leon Jakirovic?
Leon Jakirovic is the latest promising prodigy from his homeland to rise in prominence. A native of Pozega, the Croat has spent his formative years thus far in his homeland, making his mark in age-group football in Croatia. The 18-year-old has already broken into the first-team squad at Dinamo Zagreb, making four appearances thus far.
However, the teenage sensation is primarily part of Dinamo Zagreb’s under-19 team. Meanwhile, the Croatian defensive prospect’s progress has not gone unnoticed, capturing the attention of several high-profile clubs. Chelsea and Manchester United have been among the prospective suitors vying for his signature.
A man in demand
Chelsea’s primary focus in the market during the BlueCo era has been to identify the world’s best young prospects and bring them to Stamford Bridge. So, it is hardly surprising that Jakirovic has emerged as a target for Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Manchester United’s interest in Leon Jakirovic makes sense. The Red Devils are keen on reinforcing their defensive unit by signing a young centre-back who can be Ayden Heaven’s long-term central defensive partner. So, the Dinamo Zagreb wonderkid has emerged as a viable target for Manchester United.
However, Chelsea and Manchester United have lost the battle for the 18-year-old Croat’s signature, as he has picked Inter Milan as his next destination. The Serie A giants need a new centre-back, as Francesco Acerbi is in the twilight of his career and Stefan de Vrij is approaching the end of his contract with the Nerazzurri.
So, Chelsea and Manchester United must look elsewhere for a new centre-back, as Jakirovic is closing in on joining Inter Milan. It will be interesting to see who the two Premier League clubs identify as an alternative to the Croatian defensive sensation.