Fiorentina target RCD Mallorca teenage midfielder

Italian club Fiorentina have set their sights on Mallorca’s highly rated teenage midfielder Marco Asensio.

The 18-year-old Palma born player broke into the RCD Mallorca first team only last October. In spite of his relative inexperience he has claimed a place in the starting line-up and notched up 20 appearances for the Second Division side. He scored his first goal in a 2-0 home win against CD Tenerife.

Fiorentina scouts were impressed with Asensio during a scouting mission in Spain earlier this month, and have placed his purchase at the top of their priorities. The Italian club face competition for Asensio’s signature from some of Europe’s biggest clubs, with notably Real Madrid and Manchester City expressing an interest in the midfielder.

Beleaguered Barcelona are believed to have had a €1.5 million offer rejected.

Mallorca, aware of the potential young Asensio exhibits, have installed a €4 million release clause into his contract.

The transfer season closes on September 1.