Tottenham and Chelsea are keeping tabs on Palermo defender Guiseppe Prestia.

The Italy U19 international has just signed on-loan for Ascoli, but admits he has serious interest from both Premier League giants.

Prestia revealed: "It is true, I had been close to a move to England, but then I preferred to stay at Palermo. I was 14 years old when I was summoned by Antonio Rocca for the Italy Under-16s and I was seen by some observers of the Chelsea team that wanted to buy me.

"At that point in my life I was doing well in the youth of Palermo and national team, and did not want to upset everything, so I refused.

"A new proposal from England arrived at 16: Tottenham called me about trials for a week. The trial was very positive, but even then I preferred to stay in Palermo."