Chelsea line up double raid for Napoli starlets Hamsik and Varriale - Sport - Evening Standard
       

Chelsea line up double raid for Napoli starlets Hamsik and Varriale

Chelsea have launched a £14million bid for Napoli striker Marek Hamsik and are also watching 17-year-old wonder winger Umberto Varriale, it has been claimed.

More Chelsea news

Stamford Bridge spies are said to have watched the pair in last week at the southern Italian club's San Paolo stadium.

Italy's Corriere Dello Sport newspaper said that the Barclays Premier League club had been following Hamsik's progress since January.

Spike in form: Marek Hamsik has been banging in the goals for Napoli

The 20-year-old Slovakia midfielder joined Napoli from Brescia for £3m last year but has developed into a scoring sensation netting 17 goals in the league and cup.

It is not the first time that Hamsik has attracted attention from England. Liverpool and Manchester United were also said to be keen on him but Napoli coach Edy Reja, a close friend of England manager Fabio Capello, is unlikely to let him go.

Besides Hamsik, Chelsea are also said to be watching Varriale a winger with the youth side and want to bring him to west London as well.

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