Rumour: Chelsea, Liverpool and Tottenham all step up the race for Hellas Verona’s Juan Iturbe

Juan Manuel Iturbe of Argentina celebrates after scoring his team’s first goal during the Under 21 international friendly match between Germany U21 and Argentina U21

Juan Iturbe is believed to be heavily interesting a number of Premier League clubs in relation to a summer transfer, with the Daily Mail reporting that Liverpool, Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur are all keen on the Argentinian.

Liverpool are long-term admirers of Iturbe, who has been on loan with Hellas Verona for the season from FC Porto and earned rave reviews in Serie A, having played a major part in the Italian minnows’ climb into the top half of the table.

Verona are also keen on taking up the option to sign him on a permanent basis in the summer, but could then turn around quickly and sell him on again at a profit, such is the financial predicament of the Italian club.

Iturbe has often been compared to Lionel Messi due to his stature and desire to run at opponents, though he is seen as much more of a winger than the Barcelona star and his play on the flanks has caught the attention of the Premier League trio.

They have all now reportedly planned scouting trips for Hellas’ next game on Monday, though this is dependent on Iturbe overcoming a bruised thigh picked up last weekend.

They will hope to land him from Porto, who are believed to be prepared to let him go at a reasonable price, given they will need to fork out in excess of £10million to land him should Verona exercise their option to buy.