EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea and Saints battle for Brentford starlet

Pete O'Rourke
Juan Pablo Gonzalez Velasco: Linked with PL trio

Juan Pablo Gonzalez Velasco: Linked with PL trio

A number of Premier League and Championship sides are chasing Brentford youngster Juan Pablo Gonzalez Velasco, sources have told www.teamtalk.com.

Brentford are willing to let the Colombian youth international look at other options with Championship club in the process of restructuring their academy set-up

Gonzalez Velasco joined Brentford two-and-a-half years after being spotted playing Sunday league football where he also attracted interest from Queens Park Rangers and Norwich City.

The 17-year impressed playing in Brentford’s youth sides with the attacking midfielder catching the eye in a striker role at the end of last season.

News of Gonzalez Velasco’s availability has alerted a host of clubs with Premier League trio Chelsea, Southampton and Burnley and Championship duo Fulham and Burnley all keeping tabs on the attacking midfielder.

The Colombian-born starlet holds a Spanish passport through his mother so would have no problem gaining a work permit if he was to join another English club.

Gonzalez Velasco’s agent, Joel Macadar of Lev Entertainment, has revealed the player is weighing up his options with several clubs keen on securing his services.

“A number of clubs have spoken to me about Juan Pablo as Brentford are willing to let him move on due to the restructuring going at the club,” said Macadar.

“Several Premier League and Championship clubs have made enquiries about Juan Pablo and we are now asessing our options.

“Juan Pablo is currently away with the Colombian Under-20 national team and we will make a decision on his future when he returns.”