Chelsea join Premier League race for Italy’s Bellanova

Torino wing-back Raoul Bellanova impressed on his senior Italy debut, as Chelsea, Manchester United, West Ham and Aston Villa are tracking him.

The 23-year-old plays primarily on the right side, but can also do a job on the left.

He was a regular at various youth levels for the Azzurri and finally received his senior debut in last night’s 2-0 friendly win over Ecuador.

Bellanova was named the most impressive performer on the night by Italian media, which will only serve to further boost his profile and transfer value.

Torino paid €7m to sign him from Cagliari over the summer and he has contributed one goal and five assists in 28 Serie A games.

Scouts representing Manchester United, West Ham United and Aston Villa had already been sent to view Bellanova in action for Torino.

Now Tuttomercatoweb claim that Chelsea have also joined the fray and see him as a replacement for injured Reece James.

Bellanova was a product of the Milan youth academy, but was sold to Girondins de Bordeaux, then moved through Atalanta, Pescara and Cagliari.