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Manchester United have reportedly made a £2.1m for young Norwegian winger, Rafik Zekhnini, report the Metro. The 17-year old showed Europe and the rest of the footballing world of his talent when he tormented Borussia Dortmund this week in a thrilling 7-goal Europa League qualifier.
Rafik Zekhnini has been prolific for Odds BK in the Tippeligaen scoring 2 goals in 4 appearances already and his form has attracted attention from various top league clubs as well as his national team. He's been called up for the Norwegian U-17 team.
Speaking to Norwegian newspaper, TA, Zekhnini said: “My dream is to play for Manchester United. It has always been my favourite club. But you never know if there will be an offer.”
Manchester United are still on the lookout for an attacking forward ever since the departure of Angel di Maria to PSG. They've brought in the likes of Memphis Depay but are still lacking in front of goal seeing an underperforming Wayne Rooney hold things back.
Wanted: Forward (Release clause or no release clause)
Manchester United ended their week with a toothless performance against Newcastle United after they failed to sign two players they were linked with throughout the summer. Nicolas Otamendi – albeit a defender – was on the list of players Ed Woodward was fishing into but perhaps the biggest fish they missed out on was Barcelona's Pedro.
The Spaniard was all but due to sign for the Manchester club but Chelsea stepped in at the last moment and sealed the deal for the wide man with one solid bid – and a very cheeky phone call from Jose Mourinho.
Elsewhere, they're also hunting for whales: Real Madrid's Karim Benzema – whose the new Salomon Kalou to Arsenal fans – and teammate Gareth Bale are being tempted with bags of cash but are unlikely to make the move to Old Trafford.
With Rooney struggling in front of goal, United are running out of options – and time – to bring in someone who'll help bear the load. Pedro was the kind of signing Louis van Gaal would've loved but reports surfaced that said that it was indeed the Dutchman who let the chance of signing the 5-time La Liga winner go by.
Either way, if United are to sign Rafik Zekhnini from Odds, they better make it quick.
Here's a small video of Borussia Dortmund's Mats Hummels acknowledging Zekhnini's talent and then getting a little sweary when he's told Zekhini is only 17:
