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Everton boss David Moyes is monitoring Torino’s highly rated Angelo Ogbonna as he looks to bring in one of Europe’s best defensive prospects.
The 24-year-old has been on Moyes’ radar for the past three seasons and has also attracted the attention of Manchester United. Both clubs sent scouts to watch the Italian international against Inter Milan on Sunday.
Everton fans could be forgiven for having no prior knowledge of the centre back. A product of the Torino youth set up he made his debut back in the 2006/07 season. A loan spell with Crotone followed before he established himself as a regular start in 2009. Yet this was in Italian footballs second tier.
However,this has had no negative affects on Ogbonna’s progress. Last season, as vice captain, he helped guide the club to promotion back to Serie A and was held in such high regard that he was selected for Italy’s Euro 2012 squad despite playing in Serie B.
Moyes’ interest is understandable. Italian football has proud history of producing top class defenders and the Torino stopper looks set to maintain that tradition. At 24, he may be something of a late developer but Ogbonna is more than capable of establishing himself as one of Europe’s best defenders.
Standing at 6’2 he boasts an impressive physique and has a devastating combination of height, strength and pace. And like any Italian defender he oozes class. Ogbonna possess a cultured left foot, very good technical ability and is equally adept at full back and his preferred centre back position.
Having caught the eye last season, he has made a promising start to life in Serie A which has reignited both Everton and Man Utd’s interest. But Torino are not soft and tied their prized asset down to a four year contract earlier this year.
It seems unlikely that Ogbonna will remain a Torino player for much longer. But with a reported fee of £16 million expected to be required for his services David Moyes could be priced out of a deal which should see Ogbonna sign for one of Europe’s elite.
