It has been reported that Burnley were in attendance to scout Manchester City youngster Jadel Katongo live in the flesh last week.
As revealed by the Sun, Vincent Kompany and Co. seem to have set their sights on securing the 19-year-old’s signature.
Burnley scouted Manchester City gem Jadel Katongo last week
The Englishman, who is currently on loan at League One side Peterborough United is making headlines for all the right reasons.
A centre-back by trade, the teenager has been tasked to play in defensive midfield at times this season, a position he has surprisingly taken to like a duck to water.
As Jadel Katongo continues to impress on loan, it has been revealed that Burnley watched him in action last week, as they consider his potential arrival as a possible long-term project.
However, the Clarets are not the only club interested in signing the youngster, with Southampton also believed to be eyeing a move for him.
Former Sky Blues academy coach, Jason Wilcox has been the Saints’ academy director since January this year and is well aware of Jadel Katongo’s talent.
A move to Southampton makes more sense for the teenager
Whether both Burnley and Southampton aim to sign Jadel Katongo on loan or permanently is yet to be substantiated.
But if given the choice of joining either club to advance his development, the highly-rated defender should perhaps opt for the Championship side.
With Burnley sitting at the bottom of the Premier League table 12 games into the season, as things stand, they look destined for relegation.
As a result, it may not aid Katongo to be a part of such an environment, while playing in the English top-flight may be a case of too much, too soon for him.
On the other hand, Southampton are currently occupying fourth spot in the Championship and could potentially make their return to the Premier League next season.
In terms of both clubs’ current states coupled with the step-up in terms of leagues that Jadel Katongo would have to make, joining Russell Martin’s side seems like the superior option from the player’s perspective.
