Lazio sporting director Igli Tare has begun closely following Montpellier youngster Ryan Bakayoko.
As reported by French media outlet FootMercato yesterday, the Biancocelesti are scouting the 19-year-old French forward closely ahead of this summer, when his contract will expire with the Ligue 1 side.
Lazio and Brighton following Montpellier forward Ryan Bakayoko
Bakayoko has never made a first-team appearance for Montpellier but he has convinced with the B team, scoring eight goals and providing one assist in 12 appearances this season. He has also shown to be mature and has a strong physicality, standing at 196cm tall and weighing 85kg.
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Premier League side Brighton are also scouting Bakayoko, so Lazio may have to compete with the South English side in the summer. The possibility of more regular first-team minutes may convince the Frenchman to make the move south to Rome.
Updates are expected over the coming months, with the Biancocelesti taking their time to carefully evaluate the player.