Zenit set to steal AS Roma target Foyth

Serie A giants AS Roma have already begun preparations for life without Chelsea-bound Antonio Rudiger.

Sporting director Monchi identified Estudiantes defender Juan Marcos Foyth as an ideal replacement for the German international as Giallorossi prepared to offer up to €9 million for the 19-year-old gem.

According to the reports from Global Deportivo, however, Russian heavyweights Zenit St Petersburg have joined the race and immediately emerged as frontrunners with a reported bid worth €11 million already lodged.

Roberto Mancini is keen to reinforce his defensive options after seeing a move for AS Roma defender Kostas Manolas fall through due to the player’s no-show for his medicals with the Russian side.

Former Manchester City boss has been given a significant transfer kitty and freedom to pounce for the word’s top-quality players in order to help Zenit restore its glory.

Argentina teenager Juan Marco Foyth is one of the hottest defensive prospects in world football and a player expected to become a huge star in the future so Mancini is keen to secure his signature in front of other suitors.