Man United and Chelsea to battle it out for Genoa defender

Manchester United and Chelsea are both tracking promising Italian defender Mario Sampirisi, according to reports in Italy.

Sampirisi, who turns 20 at the end of this month, has made waves in Serie A since joining Genoa from AC Milan in the summer of 2011.

The centre-back has featured for Italy at U19 and U20 levels and he has started six of his side's seven league fixtures this term.

United and Chelsea are both expected to send scouts to Genoa's home clash against Roma on Sunday in order to assess the £800,000-rated defender.

However, the Serie A club are likely to ask for more if either Premier League club firms up their interest with an offer.