“The Chile international has also been linked with several big clubs in Italy but reports in South America suggest that Liverpool are winning the race to clinch his signature,” the report says.
Isla is a key figure on a team that sits third in Serie A. He’s made 24 appearances this season (in all competitions) for Udinese, so it is hard to imagine him making a January exit.
But the versatile player can play both fullback positions, as well as in the midfield. He could move to a top club and slowly work his way into the starting lineup. For a long time Udinese has been a club that sells its best players, and a sizable transfer offer — greater than the reported fee — could see the Italian club offload Isla.
The 23-year-old grew up in the youth system of Chilean club Universidad Catolica. He led Chile to a third place finish at the 2007 U-20 World Championships, and Udinese brought him into the fold. He has been a first-team regular since the 2008-09 season.
Have a question for Marcus Kwesi O’Mard? Send it to him via Twitter at @NESNsoccer or send it here. He will pick a few questions to answer every week for his mailbag.
Thumbnail photo via Flickr/ASHISH1987
