Ghana international John Mensah is being linked with a move to England, and both Middlesbrough and Charlton are reported to be interested.

The 22-year-old defender is yet to play a game this season for Serie A outfit Chievo Verona, although he has warmed the bench on a number of occasions.

Mensah was heralded as a player of huge potential when Chievo snapped him up from Genoa in 2002.

He made a huge impact before falling out of favour quite suddenly with The Flying Donkeys and he was loaned to Serie A rivals Modena in January of this year.

However, his spell with Modena was cut short by injury and he returned to Chievo in the summer.

Mensah is a strong defender who is most comfortable in the middle, although he can also play left back.

Italian sources now claim that the young African is looking for a move, with his contract due to expire in the summer.

It is being reported that both Middlesbrough and Charlton have made offers and that Chievo are keen to sell in January.

Mensah could even be allowed to travel for trials during the Italian winter break, should any club want to look at him before making a move.

There is no reserve team football in Italy, so no club would have been able to watch him in action this season.