Manchester United's hopes of signing Rosenborg midfielder Sverre Nypan may have been dashed as the race for one of Europe's hottest young talents intensifies.
The Red Devils have been consistently linked with the Norwegian prodigy, dubbed 'the next Martin Odegaard', for more than a year. Despite successfully securing highly sought-after Leny Yoro last summer amid interest from numerous European giants, their chances of repeating this success with Nypan seem unlikely.
This comes after Norwegian broadcaster TV2 reported Ruben Amorim's team are no longer in the running to sign the 18-year-old, who is reportedly valued at £11million. Nypan's representatives, led by agent Rafaela Pimenta, are believed to be in discussions with several clubs, including Odegaard's Arsenal and Manchester City.
The forward could leave in January as Norway's Eliteserien is currently in its off-season, with a new campaign due to start on March 1. Nypan - who was part of the Rosenborg team that defeated United 1-0 in pre-season - has a contract until 2026, meaning his current club is on borrowed time as they chase a profit for their star.
The young sensation bagged an impressive eight goals and 10 assists in 33 games last season, mostly from midfield. And although he's a couple of years older than Odegaard when he grabbed global attention, the list of clubs lining up for a show at his signature is just as impressive.
"I've always been a Manchester United fan," Nypan told TV2 in 2023. "Then of course there is Real Madrid. I'm a big [Cristiano] Ronaldo fan. It's very unrealistic, but it's the dream."
Yoro - who was just 18 when he made the switch from Lille in the summer - wasn't put off by United's lack of Champions League football. He chose United over Real and said he was swayed by the club's illustrious history, keeping faith the Red Devils would get back to their former glories.
But following United's historically poor Premier League performance last season, they're now languishing in 12th place. And that could see them lose out on Nypan to a familiar rival, even though he supports the club.
With Christian Eriksen possibly leaving Old Trafford this summer and Mason Mount's fitness woes, United could really use a player of Nypan's dimensions. And yet the same allure that once brought Yoro to Old Trafford might not be enough to repeat the trick with another highly coveted youngster.