Sporting Faces Strong Competition for Zekri

Sporting faces stiff competition in the race for 17-year-old left-back Moncef Zekri. According to Belgian newspaper Nieuwsblad, PSV Eindhoven is also keen on signing the young Mechelen footballer.
The Lions continue to monitor the Moroccan U-17 international, but at present, the player isn't a top priority. Rui Borges and the Sporting football hierarchy are currently focused on securing a more experienced player who can offer immediate impact.

Belgian media reported over the weekend that the green and white SAD had already submitted an offer to Mechelen, though this remains unconfirmed. However, the possibility of Sporting tabling a bid between three and four million euros for the former club of goalkeeper Preud'homme remains open. At Alvalade, the young full-back would reportedly be offered a five-year contract.

In the recent past, both Ajax and Bayer Leverkusen have scouted Zekri, although these approaches did not progress to formal negotiations.
Despite his young age, the left-footed defender already boasts some senior football experience: last season, he played 17 matches under Frédéric Vanderbiest in a defensive unit that also features former Sporting player José Marsà.