Transfer Rumour: de Silva being chased again

Swiss club Grasshoppers Zurich are the latest European club to join the chase for Perth Glory starlet Daniel de Sliva as he prepares for his first full season as a professional.

Already linked to English Premier League sides Everton and Manchester United, de Silva remains hot property months after his stunning goal for the Young Socceroos at the FIFA World Youth Championships. Despite signing a two-year deal with his hometown club during the off-season, the 16-year-old creative midfielder continues to field offers from a string of European suitors.

Glory coach Alistair Edwards is desperate to protect de Silva from the endless distractions, believing his development will be best served by remaining in the Hyundai A-League at least until he is 18. De Silva returned from Young Socceroos duty in Malaysia on Thursday, and depending on his fitness may yet be drafted into the Perth Glory squad for their season-opener against Adelaide United.

Grasshoppers - who have also been linked to Central Coast Mariners defender Trent Sainsbury - are hoping to sign de Silva in a co-ownership deal with an unnamed Italian Serie A club. It's understood Grasshoppers would be willing to loan de Silva back to the Glory before recalling him to Switzerland next season.