Chelsea 'scout Marash Kumbulla ahead of potential summer move'

Chelsea have reportedly been scouting Hellas Verona defender Marash Kumbulla in recent weeks ahead of a potential bid during this summer's transfer window.

The 20-year-old, who has scored once in 18 appearances for Verona this season, is allegedly a transfer target for both Manchester United and Manchester City.

However, according to Calciomercato, Chelsea have watched the Italian-born Albania international on 'several occasions' this season and are interested in a potential summer deal.

The report claims that the centre-back is valued by his Italian club in the region of €20m (£16.6m), although interest from the Premier League could allegedly drive the price up ahead of the opening of the transfer window.

Kumbulla will see his current deal with I Gialloblu expire at the end of the 2021-22 campaign.

Chelsea, who will host Manchester United on Monday night, only have the 10th-best defensive record in the Premier League this season, conceding 34 times in their 25 matches.