Manchester United are set to strike early in the race to sign Norwegian wonderkid Sverre Nypan.
Tipped to become the new Frenkie de Jong, a player who the Red Devils are still keen on signing but remains at Barcelona, scouts have been wowed by 16-year-old Nypan after following him for much of this season. The talented midfielder, who plays for Rosenborg, is currently the most talked about teenager in Scandinavian football, scoring his first senior goal last weekend.
United tracked the Norway youth international's progress over the winter during a tournament in Spain, and promptly sent a scout to watch his nation's Under-17 Euro qualifying matches against Croatia and Slovenia. The club's chief talent spotter for Scandanavia, Tommy Moller Nielsen, was also in attendance for Rosenborg's home game against Odds BK in April, although Nypan - born in 2006 - didn't make the matchday squad due to a persisting injury.
Likened to Dutch star De Jong thanks to his ability to retain the ball under pressure and move his side up the pitch with slick dribbling, the Red Devils face a fight to earn his signature. A goal against Norwegian league leaders Bodo/Glimt won't have done him harm, with top clubs in Germany, Holland and Belgium all keen on a move, according to the Sun.
What's also notable is the fact that struggling Rosenborg manager Kjetil Rekdal has relied on Nypan during a difficult period for his team, a sign of how highly the teenage starlet is rated at the club. "His touch on the ball and calmness mean that the coaches don't feel stressed at all, and they probably need to check his passport to see if he is actually 16-years-old," TV2 analyst Petter Bo Tosterud explained to Nettavisen.
"He is probably shorter than most of the others on the pitch and 50 kilograms lighter than them. But every time a team-mate plays a pass to him, they feel they are making a safe choice. That is perhaps what makes him stand out. He is young, but you can trust him."
Have your say! Who should Manchester United sign this summer? Give us your picks in the comments section.
United boss Erik ten Hag has long targeted De Jong and despite a high-profile snub last summer, the Dutchman remains interested in a reunion with his compatriot, who he coached to stardom at Ajax. Ten Hag views the 26-year-old as the long-term solution to his midfield but De Jong has no plans to leave the Camp Nou.
The Netherlands international recently declared when asked about 2022's transfer saga: "I was calm, because I knew I wanted to continue at Barca and I haven't changed my opinion. I had always dreamed of playing for Barca and I want to succeed as a Barca player. And now I'm calm and I want to continue at Barca."
