Liverpool and Newcastle United have been handed a boost in their pursuit of Ecuadorian wonderkid Kendry Paez with Premier League rivals Chelsea yet to strike a deal.
Ecuador might not have made it out of the group stages at the Qatar World Cup. But the future, for the South American nation, looks brighter than their gleaming golden home shirt.
In Moises Caicedo, William Pacho, Piero Hincapie, Jeremy Sarmiento and co, Ecuador can boast some of the most exciting young talent on the continent.
Reports suggesting that Kendry Paez could leave Independiente del Valle for a staggering £17 million even before he celebrates his 16th birthday, meanwhile, is testament to just how highly the teen sensation is regarded on both sides of the Atlantic.
Liverpool and Newcastle like Ecuador wonderkid Kendry Paez
Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester City have all spoken to Paez’s camp (90Min).
And while Fabrizio Romano believes that Chelsea are ‘closing in’, Independente’s sporting director insists that nothing has been signed or sealed at th
“There are no pre-contracts,” Santiago Morales tells MachoDeportes. ”The interested clubs continue to negotiate with Kendry Paez.”
Morelos does admit that there is one club leading the chase for potentially world football’s most expensive 15 year old. Though he is reluctant to confirm whether or not the side in question is, indeed, Chelsea.
“There is a club with which we have advanced conversations,” Morelos adds. “And we agree on the values for Kendry Paez.”
Paez, capped by Ecuador at U17 level, has already made his senior debut for Independiente del Valle.
Chelsea have already fought off Premier League competition to sign another baby-faced prospect this year, snatching Jamaican striker Dujuan Richards from under the nose of Newcastle.
“It wasn’t a sudden switch. Whenever you manage a player, it is important that you look at all the available options. (You must) choose the best possible offer,” Richards’ agent tells the Jamaica Gleaner.
“Newcastle really did a great job and made a great effort to get him. We appreciate everything that they have done. Newcastle presented a very good offer. So did Genk and Ajax. But, for us, Chelsea presented the best one.
“Chelsea were not just better from a financial perspective but also in terms of his footballing pathway. And the plan for the player. He will be in the first-team and that is very important.
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