United “leading the race” to sign one of Europe’s hottest midfield prospects – report

Manchester United are “leading the race” to sign Rosenborg BK starlet Sverre Nypan but the 17-year-old is awaiting “first-team assurances” before he considers a move away from Norway.

Nypan has emerged as one of the hottest midfield prospects in Europe after becoming the youngest debutant in Rosenborg’s history.

The 17-year-old’s potent pairing of technique and creativity has seen him earmarked as the “next Martin Odegaard”, returning an impressive seven goals and ten assists for the Norwegian side this season.

United hold a long-standing interest in Nypan and a report relayed by The Peoples Person revealed the Red Devils were aiming to “broker a deal” for him in January.

And now it appears the club are at the front of the queue to do so, despite significant interest from Europe’s elite, including Premier League rivals Arsenal and Chelsea, as well as AC Milan and Borussia Dortmund.

Dean Jones (GiveMeSport) states sources have revealed United are “leading the race” to sign Nypan with the youngest previously admitting it would be a “dream” to play at Old Trafford.

However, Jones reveals the starlet will “prioritise seeking assurances over first-team opportunities” as a key factor in any potential transfer away from his boyhood club.

The report indicates the 17-year-old is “preparing to make a key decision” with United officials likely to be keen to stress the pathway available at the club under new head coach Ruben Amorim.

The Portuguese coach, who began like at the helm at Old Trafford this week, employs a proactive 3-4-3 system which places great emphasis on two attacking midfielders stationed behind a number nine.

Nypan appears a perfect fit in one of these roles with the Norwegian’s creativity and comfortability on the ball, as well as his strong dribbling skills, a compliment to the club’s more direct attackers, including Alejandro Garnacho, Marcus Rashford and Rasmus Hojlund.

Amorim also has a strong track record of promoting young players, with the emergence of 17-year-old winger Geovany Quenda as a key player in his rampant Sporting side a testament to his trust in youth.

United will be hoping this combination – a system suited to Nypan’s skillset and a manager willing to throw youngsters in at the deep end – will help them win the race for the Norwegian starlet’s signature, with Jones revealing he could become the “first acquisition of Amorim’s reign.”