Seven Premier League clubs are battling sides in Germany to sign Gambia’s Under-20 World Cup star Adama Bojang.
Bojang scored twice as Gambia reached the Round of 16 of the tournament before defeat to eventual champions Uruguay, having starred at the Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.
The teenager scored four goals as Gambia reached the final of the continental competition to earn inclusion in the Team of the Tournament.
Bojang’s performances have alerted several clubs across Europe with The Guardian reporting that Manchester United, Newcastle, Chelsea, Liverpool, Tottenham, Wolves and Crystal Palace are all interested in a deal for the forward, who is available for around €3m (£2.6m) from Steve Biko FC in his homeland.
RB Leipzig and Eintracht Frankfurt have also been linked and Bojang is understood to have received an offer from Germany this week, with the Bundesliga his preference at present.
Bojang could receive a work permit in England despite his lack of European experience after the Home Office approved changes to the criteria for international player visas.
Premier League and Championship clubs are now permitted to sign up to four players who do not meet the points requirements.