Man Utd scout 'Serbian Jude Bellingham' as new wonderkid transfer target emerges

Ruben Amorim is expected to be given funds to strengthen his Manchester United squad over the summer regardless of how the team finishes his first season at the helm

Manchester United are keeping tabs on Serbian starlet Ognjen Ugresic, it has been claimed. the teenager, who plays for Partizan Belgrade, has been compared to Jude Bellingham and Paul Pogba.

Ugresic, 18, has played eight times for Partizan's first team this season. He scored his first senior goal for the club over the weekend, putting his side ahead in an eventual 3-1 victory over Radnicki, and United are understood to be among the clubs to have sent scouts to watch him in action.

A Serbian Under-19 international, Ugresic is also understood to be eligible to represent Hungary through his mother. And the player's agent Ostoja Stjepanovic has spoken to Hungarian outlet Nemzeti Sport about the interest in his client.

“I can confirm that the winter press reports are based on reality, there is interest in him from many places: not only Manchester United observers are following his development, but also Serie A clubs," Stjepanovic said. "However, it would be too early for him to switch, he could get the playing opportunities he needs to advance to the next level at Partizan next season.

Ugresic is predominantly a central midfielder, but is also able to play off the left - as he did against Radnicki on Sunday. Partizan are assured of second place in the Championship play-offs, meaning they will go into the Conference League qualifying rounds next term.

"His style is similar to Jude Bellingham and somewhat to Paul Pogba," the agent continued. "His technical skills are outstanding, he also has the speed for the top level, despite his height his sprint speed exceeds thirty-five kilometers per hour.

"Playing behind the forward line, he helps with actions, sees the game well, he is an intelligent footballer. He has developed a lot in a few months under Blagojevic’s guidance, but he needs time to develop.”

United are expected to be busy over the summer, even if Ugresic doesn't end up playing his football outside Serbia in a hurry. A new senior attacker is high on the list, with Wolves' Matheus Cunha and Ipswich's Liam Delap both linked.

Cunha has a release clause of £62.5million, though United might not be the only club in the hunt. Delap will be available for substantially less following Ipswich's relegation, though once again Ruben Amorim's side won't be alone in their pursuit.

"Liam's focus is still here and finishing the season as strong as possible," Ipswich boss Kieran McKenna said after the club's relegation was confirmed. "As I've said before, I think there's certainly a possibility that he's an Ipswich player next year.

"I don't think anything's decided in anyone's mind. But can Liam play for the biggest clubs in the country, the biggest clubs in the world? He certainly can. I fully believe that."