Man Utd after Sunzu’s signature

ZAMBIA defender, Stoppila Sunzu's dream of breaking into the lucrative English Premier League may soon turn into reality after champions

Manchester United are reportedly leading the chase for his signature.

United are said to have presented their case with DR Congo side, TP Mazembe about their intentions to sign the 22-year-old player, who is also chasing a move to the Premiership.

Sunzu, the 2012 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) hero, enhanced his growing reputation by keeping Ivory Coast and Chelsea striker, Didier Drogba quiet in the AFCON final which Zambia won on penalties.

According to some impeccable sources yesterday, United had already engaged Mazembe on the possibility of striking a deal for Sunzu's services.

Sunzu became an instant hero after converting the decisive penalty in the 8-7 victory over Ivory Coast on February 12 in Libreville, Gabon, winning Zambia the first-ever AFCON trophy.

The Mazembe ace has already declared his dreams of playing in England preferably for Chelsea or Bolton Wanderers.

"I played for (French club) Chateauroux in 2008-09 season and I would love to come back to Europe. I have a dream to play in England as I prefer Chelsea and Bolton Wanderers," Sunzu was recently quoted to have said by the foreign media.

Sunzu first carved his name as an upcoming Zambian star at the 2007 FIFA Under-20 World Cup in Canada.

After the Under-20 World Cup, Sunzu impressed in trials with English championship side, Reading, only to be denied a work permit.

And three-time German champions, FC Koln has joined a growing list of European teams after the services of 2012 AFCON revelation, Nathan Sinkala.

The 22-year-old Sinkala has already attracted the interest of German Bundesliga champions, Borussia Dortmund.

Sinkala's older brother, Andrew also featured for FC Koln alongside another Zambian Moses Sichone.

The Zambian midfielder is also on the books of Mazembe.

When the transfer window opens in August, most of Zambia's 2012 AFCON winning players are expected to trek into Europe.