Manchester United will reportedly face competition from as many as eight clubs if they want to sign Fenerbahce's teenage defensive talent Yusuf Akcicek this summer.
The Red Devils are understood to have sent scouts to watch the 19-year-old on Thursday night, as Jose Mourinho's side lost 3-1 to Rangers in the first leg of their Europa League last-16 contest.
Akcicek did not enjoy his finest evening, as he started in a three-man defence alongside the experienced Caglar Soyuncu and Milan Skriniar but was withdrawn at half time.
However, the Turkey Under-19 international has still made a name for himself under Mourinho, who recently likened his situation to Raphael Varane after his gutsy display in a goalless Turkish Super Lig draw with Galatasaray.
Mourinho stopped short of directly comparing Akcicek to the World Cup-winning Frenchman, but he insisted that he saw the similarities in their game amid apparent interest from Man United in the 19-year-old.
Arsenal, Tottenham Hotspur among clubs showing interest in Akcicek?
© Imago
The Red Devils should not expect to land Akcicek without a fight, though, as CaughtOffside claims that eight other clubs - including Arsenal and Tottenham Hotspur - are also monitoring his progress.
Fellow Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion are also in the race, while Atletico Madrid, Ajax, Napoli, Bayer Leverkusen and Bayern Munich have also been alerted to his rise this term.
Akcicek's contract with Fenerbahce runs until the summer of 2028, but the report adds that the Turkish side would be prepared to accept a fee of €20m (£16.8m) for the talented teenager this summer.
The 2006-born defender has already scored two goals and set up one more in 19 senior appearances for Fenerbahce, registering a goal and assist across the two legs of his side's Europa League playoff win over Fenerbahce.
Akcicek stands at 6ft 4in tall and has also demonstrated his versatility in the early stages of his career, functioning as a right-back and as a defensive midfielder for ex-Man United boss Mourinho.
Could Man United have the edge in Akcicek race?
© Imago
If it is guaranteed European participation that Akcicek is after, the 19-year-old should not look towards Old Trafford, as Ruben Amorim's side must surely win the Europa League if they are to have any form of continental football next season.
However, if the centre-back is looking for guaranteed Premier League minutes as soon as possible, Man United may have the edge over their rivals given that all of Jonny Evans, Harry Maguire and Victor Lindelof could leave this summer.
Lisandro Martinez will also likely miss most of 2025 with his devastating ACL injury, and Akcicek already has experience playing in a three-man backline this season, making him an ideal fit for an Amorim team.
Ajax and Brighton have a good track record with young talent, though, and the sporting project at both of those clubs is arguably more attractive than the one at the Theatre of Dreams right now.
Alternatively, Akcicek may feel that another year in his homeland will be best for his development, as while he has broken into Mourinho's first team, he is yet to become an undisputed starter.
Ben Knapton
