Man Utd face Chelsea competition for 'next Martin Odegaard'

Tom Weber

• Updated: 21 Feb 2024 14:49 GMT
• 3 min read

Manchester United and Chelsea are among the clubs taking a keen interest in Sverre Nypan, according to a report.

The Rosenborg wonderkid has been a sought-after commodity for some time. Still only 17, Nypan has been on the radar of big-name clubs since at least age 16. His precocity and attacking drive from midfield have earned the teenager comparisons to none other than Martin Odegaard.

Prior to signing and starring for Arsenal, Odegaard had been tipped for superstardom from a young age, eventually signing for Real Madrid but failing to make an impact. Naturally, there are fears that Nypan could meet a similar fate, but Odegaard was much younger when he made the jump to a big club.

Indeed, the time seems ripe for the midfielder to take the next step in his career, and it could be a big one. Nypan has been linked with Man Utd since last year and their interest has not dissipated. On the contrary, it's only gotten stronger, but the Red Devils aren't the only ones keen.

Man Utd face Chelsea competition

According to HITC, a host of Premier League clubs have been keeping tabs on the prodigy over the last 12 months, including the likes of Chelsea, Aston Villa and Brighton. There is also interest from the continent, with Borussia Dortmund, RB Leipzig and Lyon among Nypan's suitors.

The biggest potential challenge to Man Utd comes from their closest rivals, however. Man City "have been doing checks on him" and are just as keen on securing his signature as the Red Devils.

Nypan penned a new deal until 2026 with Rosenborg last year, but the report asserts that there is an expectation that he will depart his hometown club this year. The 17-year-old has thus far made 30 senior appearances for the Trondheim side, notching five goals and four assists.