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Manchester United lead the race to land 18-year-old Ligue 1 prodigy

Manchester United leading the chase for Metz wonderkid Pape Sarr

According to The Sun, Manchester United are leading the race to sign young Metz wonderkid Pape Sarr ahead of the summer transfer window.

The Senegalese youngster came through the ranks at Generation Foot before moving to Metz in 2020. He has since progressed to their first-team and also made his senior bow for Senegal.

This has seen a number of clubs from across the continent keep a close track of his progress. Despite having had him sign a five-year deal only last year, Metz have a battle on their hands to keep hold of the youngster.

Manchester United is leading the race to sign young Metz wonderkid Pape Sarr ahead of the summer transfer window
Pape Sarr made his debut for Senegal earlier this year

Nice sporting director Julien Fournier is very interested in the player and is going the extra mile to land him. However, Sarr has his eyes set on bigger and better things.

A box to box midfielder, the 18-year-old has already amassed 19 appearances for the French side, scoring three goals. Metz are currently 10th in Ligue 1 and look set to improve upon their 15th placed finish last season. (h/t Transfermarkt)

Sarr can also function as a defensive midfielder and United might be in the market for one this summer. While Declan Rice is a target, West Ham United’s reluctance to sell could force United to turn their attentions to Sarr.

Declan Rice in action for West Ham United. (GETTY Images)
Declan Rice in action for West Ham United. (GETTY Images)

A shrewd move?

With a number of positions to strengthen, Sarr is an affordable option that can free up funds elsewhere for United. More so, he would join up with a crop of special youngsters making their way through the club’s academy.

Sarr is far from the finished piece and will need much fine-tuning. However one cannot deny that the youngster has shown drive and ability to succeed. Securing him could prove to be excellent long-term business by the club.

Sarr could be a shrewd piece of business (GETTY Images)

More Manchester United News

Robbie Savage recently admitted that United could do with an upgrade over Fred in midfield, particularly when it came to offensive contributions. Sarr has shown he has an eye for goal and could slot in well alongside Scott McTominay. Whether the United hierarchy views it the same way remains to be seen.

Some of the players to come out of Generation Foot include Sadio Mane and Ismaila Sarr. Whether the Metz youngster can follow in their footsteps remains to be seen.

Written by Pranav Nair

An Engineering postgraduate with a keen interest in statistics, pop culture and football.

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