Chelsea are ahead of Manchester United in a transfer race for a young talent who impressed at the under-17s World Cup.
Since Sir Jim Ratcliffe purchased a stake in Manchester United, emphasis has been placed on signing young players, who join the academy first before making an impact on the senior squad when they have settled in.
The most recent example is Diego Leon. The left-back officially joined the club in the summer after signing in January, before he turned 18 years old. Leon has spent the majority of the season with the under-21s, but now appears close to a loan move to INEOS-owned OGC Nice.
United have already signed Christian Orozoco – a Colombian defensive midfielder, who will join the club next summer – and are looking for their next young signings.
Despite some poor results, Rúben Amorim seems to be staying at Old Trafford, so Jason Wilcox may look to sign young players who suit the 3-4-2-1 formation well.
While United have Shea Lacey and JJ Gabriel coming through the youth teams, the club seem to lack promising attackers, as Amorim continues not to use them despite a need for goals, so signing young forwards may be the focus.
United eyeing Zongo despite Chelsea interest
After the under-17s World Cup, which led to United buying Sékou Koné, Wilcox seems to be eyeing some more promising young players, with Mohamed Zongo noted as one of the options.
The Burkina Faso youngster “caught the eye” at the U17 World Cup, as he led his country to a quarter-final spot before suffering defeat to a late winner from Italy.
The Daily Mail have now reported that the left-footed attacking midfielder is closest to joining Chelsea ahead of any other side, despite interest from Anderlecht, Villareal and other Premier League sides.
Chelsea would likely look to use their BlueCo connections for Zongo’s development, loaning him to Strasbourg, as United have done with Enzo Kana-Biyik, who is on loan at Lausanne-Sport this season.
United and Manchester City are among the Premier League sides eyeing Zongo, but they have yet to make a move. If they want to secure the 16-year-old’s signature, they may have to begin negotiations soon.
United must use talent at Old Trafford
While signing players for the youth sides is good, it is also important not to forget the talent already at Old Trafford.
Zongo would likely play as a right-sided attacking midfielder if he made it into Amorim’s system, but several other young players are tailor-made for that role. Lacey, Jack Fletcher and Bendito Mantato could all prove effective in that position if given the chance to impress.
Read More: Rúben Amorim backtracks on Shea Lacey claim after substitution choice against West Ham
If Zongo were being signed to play as a left-sided No.10, he would have to compete with Matheus Cunha and Mason Mount in the first team, while also fending off James Scanlon, Gabriele Biancheri and Edward Ibrovic-Fletcher.
United must consider the options already at the club before signing new players – for the first team and the academy.
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