Chelsea set to beat Barça in chase for African wonder kid

By Staff Writer
Updated: 12 March, 2012

Chelsea have again been linked with a move Moroccan wonderkid Zakaria Labyad,who is also attracting attention from Catalan giants Barcelona.

Former coach Andres Villas-Boas was said to be keen on bringing the 19-year-old PSV Eindhoven midfielder to Stamford Bridge in January and it has now been reported on Spanish radio station Cadena Ser that Chelsea are still interested in the player.

The blues have endured a torrid time in recent months and are in danger of failing to qualify for next season’s Uefa Champions League. This has led to calls for an overhaul of an ageing squad at Stamford Bridge and owner Roman Abramovich is said to want to inject some young talent into the club.

Utrecht-born Labyad came through the youth ranks at the Dutch club and has scored seven goals in 39 games.

It is also understood that Barcelona are still monitoring Labyad’s progress at the Eriedivisie club although Chelsea are said to be clear favourites and the preferred destination for the player.

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