Yahoo News Chelsea and AC Milan keen on Stoke City prospect as transfer window interest cranked up
One of Stoke City’s brightest prospects is reportedly attracting interest from some of Europe’s top clubs ahead of the summer transfer window.
Sol Sidibe became the second youngest player ever fielded by the Potters when he was a late substitute aged 16 years and 176 days during last season’s opening-day demolition of Rotherham United.
The young midfielder is the son of ex-Stoke striker Mamady Sidibe, and his big moment came almost 18 years to the day since his dad made his debut for the Potters.
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Sidibe Jr has since made eight appearances in total for Stoke, including a first start in a Carabao Cup victory over West Brom, while also impressing for England under-17s, and that has raised his profile elsewhere.
According to the Mail, Chelsea are keen on the Paris-born Stoke youngster, while AC Milan and Rangers are also reported to be watching his progress.
The Mail reports: “The central midfielder earned rave reviews after being handed a full debut by former manager Alex Neil.
“Sidibe has won international recognition with England's under-17s this season and is also eligible to feature for Senegal and Mali, while France are considering a call-up. It is his French passport that has alerted European sides.”
Sidibe’s latest outing for Stoke came in their final-day 4-0 rout of Bristol City. In his player ratings from the game, StokeonTrentLive's Pete Smith handed the youngster a seven for his 15-minute cameo, and wrote: "A nice way to finish the season by getting back on the pitch. His dad was scoring the vital goals the last time Stoke beat Bristol City here."
Discussing his breakthrough season himself, Sidibe said recently: “The first team experience at the start of the season was great. I had an opportunity to impress, and that was all I wanted. Hopefully there will be more to come.
“The staff have shown that they believe in me and given me the opportunities to progress and become a better footballer.”
