Reports have suggested that Chelsea are keen to sign Fulham’s Marcus Bettinelli as an under-study for first team keeper Thibaut Courtois following the pending departure of Petr Cech.
Jose Mourinho has already been to watch the England U21 international in action this term, attending the Cottagers 1-1 draw at home to Rotherham United at the start of April.
A commanding presence in the box, standing at 6”4’, Bettinelli has kept 11 clean sheets for Fulham this season in what has been a year with little high-lights for Kit Symons’ side.
Having peaked no higher than 11th place (and that was the first week of this season) in the league, and with just one more year remaining on his contract with Fulham, the 22 year-old may favour a move to pastures new.
Mourinho isn’t just hearing about the keeper for the first time either – the academy goalkeeping coach at Fulham is none other than Bettinelli’s dad, Vic Bettinelli, who can obviously give the Chelsea manager a detailed report on his sons ability.
In his short career, Bettinelli has already made over 100 appearances at various levels, including the Conference, League 2, and the Championship.
Having conceded the 2nd most goals in the league this season with 76, only being surpassed by already-relegated Blackpool who have shipped 88, Mourinho must believe that the English keeper’s performances have not warranted such a hefty goals against column.
