Fabrizio Romano Says Manchester United In Contention To Sign 18-Year-Old Wonderkid

With the start of the Premier League season now under two months away, it is set to be a busy period for Manchester United, who will no doubt be active in the transfer window over the coming weeks.

As ever, there have been rumours, some stronger than others, linking the Red Devils to a number of different players.

One of those players is Derby County youngster Malcolm Ebiowei.

According to Fabrizio Romano, United are one of two Premier League clubs leading the race to sign the 18-year-old.

Ebiowei, a versatile attacker, made 16 appearances for Derby’s first team in the Championship last season, scoring once and assisting on two occasions.

He was prolific in the under-18 Premier League, getting himself on the scoresheet seven times in as many games, as well as grabbing one assist.  

Romano also explains that Crystal Palace are the other Premier League side in the race to sign the youngster.

Both United and Palace are rumoured front-runners to sign the youngster. At the moment this moment, it does not seem clear as to which club he would decide to join.

Malcolm Ebiowei with some skill to get past a player. (Alamy)

Ligue 1 side AS Monaco were another club who were seriously interested in signing Ebiowei, but they are seemingly out of the race. The Englishman looks to have his heart set on a move to the Premier League.

Should United get this deal across the line, it is unclear whether Ebiowei would go into United’s first-team squad, although it seems more likely he would start the season in the youth team.

This is what both Facundo Pellistri and Amad did when they joined the club.

Alternatively, United could decide that a loan move for regular first-team football is the best thing for Ebiowei.

With both United and Crystal Palace vying for the signing of the young forward, it will certainly be interesting to see which club wins the race for the youngster.

If he joins United, it will be intriguing to see how he fits into Erik ten Hag’s plans for next season and beyond.

It is unlikely that this signing would impact the Dutchman's plans in the transfer market for the first-team, however.

He is looking to get a move for Barcelona's Frenkie de Jong over the line after weeks of speculation about his proposed move to Manchester.

Other target positions include a forward, centre-back and an additional central midfielder.