According to Football Insider, Alfie Osborne continues to attract significant attention from top Premier League clubs ahead of the summer. The highly-rated 6ft 5in Scottish prodigy is ready to leave Hearts once his contract expires in the close season, as scouts from Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace were present to watch the imposing defender lead the Scotland U-19 side against Ireland.
Alfie Osborne, the highly-rated 6ft 5in Scottish prodigy who plays for the youth teams of Hearts, has been attracting considerable attention from top Premier League clubs. The teenager is yet to make his debut for the Scottish Premiership side, but he could do so before the end of the season, given his current trajectory.
Hearts were keen to tie him down long-term, but with his contract expiring in the summer, the imposing defender has chosen a different path. He will leave Tynecastle Park at the end of the season, with a host of top Premier League sides already showing an interest.
Earlier, Arsenal and Manchester City were considered favourites to sign him, with reports stating he could be acquired for a compensation fee of under £250,000. However, the latest on his situation suggests clubs can sign him for as little as £160,000 in the summer, which will be a significant factor when weighing up their interest.
Scouts from Arsenal, Chelsea and Crystal Palace were reportedly present to watch Osborne in action. The teenager led the Scotland U-19 side in their 3-3 draw against Ireland U-19s, as the observers came away with glowing reports about the defender, fuelling a potential move to England in the close season.
Osborne is a left-footed defender who prefers to play as a centre-back, but is also capable of featuring at left-back. This is precisely the sort of profile that appeals to top Premier League clubs eager to evolve, with the likes of Arsenal and Chelsea keen to add him to their development squads.
However, the prospect of joining Palace could see Osborne accelerate his pathway to first-team football, which may prove a decisive factor in choosing his next club. The teenager is now expected to make a considered decision over his future, as he will anticipate numerous offers on the table — particularly from the clubs mentioned in the report.
