Barnsley starlet Fabio Jalo has been subject to a bid from Serie A side Lecce as Premier League clubs monitor the situation, reports journalist Fabrizio Romano.
The Tykes brought the Portuguese forward to Oakwell from his hometown club Benfica in 2019, with the 17-year-old scoring twice in 13 appearances for the first team since his move to England.
Barnsley appear keen to keep hold of the teenager who is tied down to a long-term professional contract with the South Yorkshire side, as the Barnsley Chronicle reported a six-figure bid has already been turned down from an unnamed Italian club, which is now known to be Lecce.
The Portuguese U18 international is said to be considered a priority signing for I Giallorossi, who have assembled one of the youngest squads in Europe, with the Italian outfit also acquiring the services of Luton Town youngster Ed McJannet last season.
A host of Premier League teams are reportedly interested in the Lisbon-born forward, but no official bid has been lodged as of yet.
There is also demand for his services at international level as he is now eligible to play for England, with the Three Lions considering calling him up for their U19 squad.
Jalo can operate out wide and through the middle, most recently appearing off the bench in Barnsley’s first round Carabao Cup defeat to League Two’s Tranmere Rovers, but he looks destined for a future higher up the football pyramid.
Writer’s View
It remains unclear which potential Premier League clubs could make an approach for the teenager, however, there is definite concrete interest from abroad.
Lecce have a history of attracting young talent to the club, but they may face strong resistance from the League One side as deadline day approaches.
It is clear Jalo has a bright future in the game, having already featured multiple times in the first team despite being just 17 years of age, and the sale could represent excellent business for a player they snapped up from Benfica’s academy just four years ago.
