Southampton and West Ham United ‘like’ Bologna’s Takehiro Tomiyasu, according to Calciomercato.
The 21-year-old joined the Italian side from Sint-Truiden last summer and has started 20 league matches this season.
Tomiyasu has regularly featured as a right-back at Bologna, but he has also been used as a centre-back on two occasions.
AS Roma have been chasing the Japan international, and the website now adds the Saints and the Hammers have joined the race.
Calciomercato’s report does not mention if the versatile player is willing to change clubs, if any of Southampton, West Ham or AS Roma submit an offer for him.
Two days ago, Bologna chief scout Marco Di Vaio explained the club’s plans for Tomiyasu.
“We followed him throughout the [Belgian] championship [last season], watching him live on four to five occasions. He immediately impressed us because he is very good with his feet and knows how to adapt in all defensive roles,” Di Vaio told Calciomercato.
“For Bologna we imagined him in the role of right back, but in the near future, we are convinced he can improve further by moving him to the centre-back position.”
Di Vaio’s comments give an indication the Serie A side have intentions of including Tomiyasu in their future plans and it could make it difficult for any suitors to sign him. He has a contract with them until 2024.
Voetbal Belgie, however, claim Bologna will sanction Tomiyasu’s sale, if there is an offer of around €25m.
