Manchester United are at the front of the queue for Metz midfield starlet Pape Sarr, according to a report.
United have been focusing on signing promising young players in recent months. That strategy saw them bring in the likes of Amad Diallo and Facundo Pellistri in recent months. Now, Sarr could be one of the next names on their radar.
After coming through the Generation Foot academy in his native Senegal, Sarr moved to Metz in 2020. He has shown flashes of his potential in his debut season in Europe.
So far in 2020-21, Sarr has played in 18 games for Metz, including 12 appearances as a starter. He has scored three goals and earned his senior Senegal debut in March 2021.
According to The Sun, Man Utd are aware of his rapid rise and currently lead the race to snap him up.
Nice are also keen to give Sarr a different opportunity in France. However, the 18-year-old would rather join a bigger club if he leaves Metz. That could present an opportunity for United.
Sarr is under contract with Metz until 2025, but the Ligue 1 club know there is interest in many of their players. They may struggle to ward off interest from a club as big as Man Utd if they do come forward.
Other than Nice, no other suitors for Sarr are identified in the report, but it seems there will be plenty of clubs watching on if he continues his development.
The teenager plays as a box-to-box midfielder who tends to start from a deeper role. United would likely see him as one for the future rather than an immediate reinforcement but it could help to get him in early.
United currently have plenty of options in midfield, with Scott McTominay and Fred usually forming the base of that area. Paul Pogba and Bruno Fernandes are their main creative options.
