Manchester United are in negotiations to snap up NK Kustosija Zagreb talent Dino Klapija but face a real battle.
United fans are looking for first-team additions ahead of the summer transfer deadline.
A new goalkeeper and another midfielder appear to be priorities with strong links to both Altay Bayindir and Sofyan Amrabat.
United may still look for some young signings as well though in order to plan for the future.
Dino Klapija’s name emerged earlier this week with the Daily Mail reporting that United and Chelsea had entered the race for his signature.
Just about 24 hours later, it looks like United are really trying to get a deal wrapped up quickly…
Manchester United ‘pushing’ for Dino Klapija deal
Fabrizio Romano now reports on YouTube that United are ‘pushing’ to secure Klapija’s signature.
Romano claims that the race for Klapija is now down to a two-horse race – his destination will be either United or RB Leipzig.
Romano is confident that Klapija will not be going anywhere else and his choice comes down to just two clubs.
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The Italian adds that Klapija is a ‘very talented’ forward and his clubs NK Kustosija Zagreb recently sold defender Mikayil Faye to Barcelona.
There seems to be some real talent emerging at Kustosija and Klapija could now be next to fly the nest.
“He’s a very talented forward, playing for Kustosija, which is the same club where Mikayil Faye, the centre back, was before joining Barcelona this summer,” said Romano. “He’s also playing there as a central striker. I’m told that Manchester United are pushing to sign him, it’s a two-horse race – Manchester United and RB Leipzig. He’s not going to other clubs at least at the moment. These are the two clubs favourites in the race,” he added.
Who is United target Klapija?
Klapija was born in the United States; North Hempstead, New York to be exact.
The 16-year-old started out in the New York City FC academy but moved over to Croatia with Dinamo Zagreb.
Now with Kustosija, Klapija appears to have done enough to earn major interest from United and RB Leipzig.
Primarily a centre forward, Klapija can still play for the United States at international level but has two caps for Croatia’s Under-17’s.
Brexit rules mean Klapija can’t actually arrive at United until he turns 18 in January 2025 but he is being lined up for a future at Old Trafford.