Football
Rob Dawson, Correspondent 6y

Man United face competition to sign Sarpsborg midfielder Krepin Diatta

Manchester United face competition from Europe's biggest clubs for highly-rated midfielder Krepin Diatta, according to Sarpsborg 08.

Sources have told ESPN FC that United sent scouts to watch the 18-year-old in action for Sarpsborg against Odd in Norway on Monday night.

But Sarpsborg sporting director Thomas Berntsen insists Jose Mourinho's team were not the only European heavyweights represented at Sarpsborg Stadion this week.

"What I can say is that there are many clubs watching Diatta," Berntsen told Norwegian broadcaster TV2.

"There were three big clubs here [on Monday], and that is natural as he is the most exciting young player in the Norwegian Premier League."

Diatta, a Senegal youth international, signed a new four-year deal with the Norwegian side in February.

And it means Berntsen is confident Sarpsborg will get a good deal for their prize asset if he decides to move on in January or next summer.

Berntsen added: "The clubs that are looking at him are clubs with big wallets. He will cost a lot of money, without any shadow of doubt.

"We are in a good position and he will get better and better, and as long as he doesn't get injured, his value will increase."

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