Wolves now battling to sign £2.7m-rated "talent", he could be the next Buffon or Neuer - opinion

Wolverhampton Wanderers are battling for the signature of highly-rated teenage goalkeeper Gabriel Slonina, according to journalist Alan Nixon.

Wolves are amongst several Premier League clubs interested in the 17-year-old according to reports, via Inside Futbol. He is currently playing in the MLS at Chicago Fire and is rated at £2.7m by Transfermarkt.

Wanderers are battling with both Southampton and Chelsea for his signature but with sanctions against the latter, it is slowly becoming a two-horse race.

The American youngster made his MLS debut in August last year where he became the youngest goalkeeper to start and keep a clean sheet in the division.

Slonina is thought of so highly that he’s been compared to goalkeeping greats Gianluigi Buffon and Manuel Neuer. If he’s to reach those levels then he’ll have to work hard, but he’s already attracting interest from Europe at his age so it’s a good sign.

When asked about whether or not he could reach the levels of Buffon and Neuer he said “I use it as a motivation” and that he grew up “idolising” them both.

Signing his first professional deal at 14-years of age he has since excelled to become the number one at his club.

Speaking of his qualities, manager Ezra Hendrickson commented: “He’s a young player, but this kid has talent.”

His overall record for the Fire is impressive with 17 appearances and four clean sheets to his name. He plays at U20 level for his country and has even been called up to the senior national team but still hasn’t made an appearance.

Reports state that any deal done could rise to £10m which would make it the highest sale for a goalkeeper in MLS history.

Slonina’s clean sheet and save percentage so far this season is in the top 4% in his league. It’s